Commercial truck drivers operating in the Colorado Springs area must adhere to stringent federal and state regulations to maintain roadway safety. However, when truckers and trucking companies fail to follow these guidelines, they may be held liable for accidents and injuries caused as a result.
Let’s look at the regulations related to commercial truck drivers to better understand when accident liability comes into play and how a Colorado Springs car accident lawyer can help establish fault.
Colorado Regulations for Commercial Truck Drivers
Here are a few examples of Colorado commercial trucking laws and regulations:
- Colorado Commercial Driver’s License Requirements (CCDLR – 42-2-404 C.R.S.) – Sets state CDL licensing, testing, and endorsement standards for drivers.
- Colorado Minimum Liability Insurance Levels (40-10.1-107 C.R.S.) – Requires minimum levels of liability coverage for trucks based on type/weight.
- Colorado Winter Chain/Traction Laws (42-4-106 C.R.S.) – Requires commercial vehicles to carry chains and use traction control on snowy/icy roads and may restrict vehicle weights under certain conditions
- Colorado Revised Statutes on Motor Carrier Safety (Title 42, Article 4) – Broad regulations for motor carrier safety programs, compliance, penalties, etc.
- Hazmat Transportation Regulations (Colorado State Patrol – 42-20-108 C.R.S.) – Special endorsement and rules needed to transport hazardous materials in Colorado.
- Colorado Commercial Vehicle Weight Limits (42-4-508 C.R.S.) – Restrictions on gross vehicle weight, axle weights, heavy load permits, and oversize/overweight fines.
A truck accident lawyer in Colorado Springs will have an understanding of these regulations. Your attorney will also have the resources to investigate and know how to determine if a truck driver was in violation and could be held liable for your injuries.
John (Jack) Zinda
Founder / CEO
Over 100 years of combined experience representing injured victims across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationWhat Federal Regulations Apply to Colorado Springs Truck Drivers?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the federal agency within the U.S. Department of Transportation that regulates the trucking industry in the United States.
The FMCSA develops and enforces comprehensive rules and regulations covering commercial motor vehicle safety, registration, compliance, insurance requirements, and more for interstate truck and bus companies.
Here is a brief overview of the key regulations set forth by the FMCSA that apply to commercial truck drivers in Colorado Springs and all over the nation:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) regulations apply to all commercial truck drivers nationwide, including in Colorado Springs.
- Hours of Service: Limits driving time and requires regular off-duty periods to prevent fatigued driving. Truckers must maintain log books tracking duty status.
- Drug/Alcohol Testing: Requires testing for drugs/alcohol for drivers. Prohibits operating under any influence.
- Vehicle Inspection & Maintenance: Sets standards for routinely inspecting, repairing, and maintaining trucks to remain roadworthy.
- CDL Licensing: Governs requirements for obtaining a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with proper endorsements for cargo, vehicle type, hazmat, etc.
- Safety Rules: Covers safe driving procedures, hazardous materials transport, crash reporting, seat belt use, speed limits, traffic violations, and more.
Adhering to FMCSA regulations is essential for Colorado Springs truck drivers to maintain compliance and safety. These rules form the backbone of the trucking industry across the country.
Neil Solomon
Partner
Real results matter. We do not get paid unless we win your case.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationViolations Often Lead to Accidents and Liability for Drivers and Trucking Companies
Many people and entities are involved in the safe operation of a commercial motor vehicle. When rules and regulations are violated, it often leads to accidents. This can result in the trucking company, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, and/or the truck driver being held financially responsible for an accident.
Here are some details on common regulations violated by truck drivers and trucking companies:
Hours of Service Violations
These violations often involve the falsification of log books to hide that legal driving limits were exceeded. Drivers may drive up to 11 hours within a 14-hour window after 10 hours off duty. These limits are in place to prevent fatigued driving.
Maintenance & Inspection Violations
For maintenance issues, documentation like inspection reports and repair orders may be falsified or omitted to hide violations. Mechanical defects need to be repaired quickly before trucks can legally operate.
Weight Violations
Overloaded trucks put excess wear and tear on brakes, tires, and other components. This accelerates failure over time if not caught by inspections. Overloaded trucks also have longer stopping distances.
Licensing Violations
With licensing violations, truckers may use fake licenses or operate on suspended/revoked CDLs. Some motor carriers improperly allow unqualified drivers to operate commercial vehicles illegally.
Log Book Falsification
Truckers may disable electronic logging devices to conceal hours of service violations. The ELD mandate was instituted to prevent logbook fraud and undetectable driving time infractions.
Trucking companies may also face liability under respondeat superior laws if trucker negligence stems from inadequate training, oversight, or policies mandated by the carrier. Plaintiffs can argue negligence in hiring or retention of unsafe drivers.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
Standing by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week ready to answer in your time of need.
Available 24 / 7|Free ConsultationLearn More from a Colorado Springs Truck Accident Lawyer Today
A Colorado Springs commercial truck accident attorney can identify whether these violations apply to your situation. If there is evidence to prove negligence on the part of the truck driver or the trucking company, your lawyer can help you seek fair compensation for your injuries and losses.
Contact Zinda Law Group to learn more about trucking regulations and how they impact your case today. We can help you understand your options and how we may be able to help you file a truck accident claim.
Jason Aldridge
Attorney
We have successfully represented clients in a wide variety of cases across the country.
Available 24 / 7|Free Consultation
