Rules & Regulations for Intrastate Trucking in Georgia

Georgia follows the interstate trucking regulations enforced by the United States Department of Transportation Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The FMCSA regulations govern the operation of large commercial vehicles, including the semi-trucks and tractor-trailers that travel through Georgia on Interstates 75, 85, 20 and 95and cross into other states. These vehicles are part of interstate commerce. Conversely, intrastate commerce refers to the highways and roads within Georgia.

The Georgia Department of Public Safety administers the federal trucking rules, and also establishes the minimum safety requirements for all motor carriers operating both for hire and in private transportation in either interstate or intrastate commerce in Georgia. The safety requirements apply to trucks based on a vehicle's Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).

Commonly Violated Truck Regulations

GVWR is the rating applied by a vehicle manufacturer, and represents the maximum total weight of vehicle, cargo, people, fuel, and other fluids together. If a vehicle has a GVWR of 10,001 pounds or more, it is subject to regulation. According to the Georgia Department of Public Safety, some of the most commonly violated regulations for GVWR include:

• Not having vehicle identification (name and U.S. DOT number)
• No medical exam certificate
• Using a radar detector (radar detectors are prohibited)
• No fire extinguisher
• No stopped vehicle warning devices (reflective triangles)
• Driver did not do a pre-trip inspection
• Driver exceeded hours-of-service limits
• No time records kept on driver
• No annual mechanical inspection of vehicle
• No post-trip inspection
• Trailers not equipped with required brakes, lights, and reflectors

At Henry Spiegel Milling, LLP, we know how to investigate the applicability of Georgia's intrastate rules and regulations, and they impact violations have on trucking accident lawsuits. In addition, all of the possible causes and contributing factors for the accident must be considered. For example, we always look at whether a vehicle was properly loaded based on regulation requirements, whether a driver had the right qualifications, or whether the truck was in compliance with safety regulations. These are important factors that often determine the success of a truck accident legal claim.

Experienced Tractor Trailer Lawyers for Serious Accidents

If you or a loved has been involved in an accident with a commercial truck, it is important to talk to an attorney who has experience handling trucking accident cases. Atlanta-based law firm Henry Spiegel Milling LLP has obtained successful results in some of the most complex semi-truck accident cases. Please call our legal team at (866) 959-3877 to schedule a free initial consultation. As our client, you'll pay no attorneys’ fee unless we resolve your case through verdict or settlement.