According to the Colorado Department of Transportation, there are more than 1.1 million trucking-related trucks on Colorado’s roads every day. In order to keep this number in check and maintain safety standards, drivers must adhere to a variety of laws that regulate their behavior while operating a commercial vehicle. If you are an experienced driver or just getting started in the industry, it is important that you understand these rules before hitting the road!
Keep Logs
Truckers are required to keep logs of their hours on the road. This includes a daily log that shows how many miles they have traveled each day, as well as an activity log for every 24 hour period. Drivers must also complete a form called a “Motor Carrier Trip Log” and provide it to any law enforcement officer who requests it.
Keep Inspection and Maintenance Records
In addition to driving logs, truckers are also required to keep a record of their inspections and maintenance records for each vehicle they operate while on the road in Colorado. They must submit these documents along with any other documentation that has been issued by law enforcement officers after making an inspection or during roadside incidents such as crashes and traffic stops.
Must Abide by Colorado Traffic Laws
-Truckers must also abide by the state’s laws regarding traffic. Drivers are expected to know and comply with Colorado’s rules of the road, including obeying speed limits, yielding to pedestrians in crosswalks, stopping at intersections when a stop sign is present, following through with right turn signals and maintaining safe distances between themselves and other vehicles.
Abide by State Equipment Laws
Truckers are also expected to abide by the state’s laws regarding equipment. Truck drivers must drive vehicles that have been properly equipped with headlights, turn signals and brake lights, as well as a horn or bell for signaling. They must also equip their trucks with flares in order to prevent accidents during roadside emergencies such as running out of gas or having a flat tire. Always be sure to check your truck before driving oem or aftermarket DPF filters.
Obey Child Safety Seat Laws
Truckers in Colorado must also obey the laws regarding child safety seats. Every driver is expected to provide their passengers with proper restraints, including booster seats for children who have outgrown infant and convertible car seat requirements but are still too small to fit properly into standard seat belts. Not only is this the law, but it is also for everyone’s safety and wellbeing as well!
Driving Under the Influence
Finally, Colorado truck drivers are expected to abide by all laws regarding driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. This includes not operating a commercial vehicle within four hours after consuming any amount of alcohol (defined as .04 BAC), or while under the influence of drugs or a combination of both. In addition, drivers must not be under the influence of any controlled substance that includes: marijuana and its derivatives (THC), narcotic drugs such as Oxycodone, heroin, and codeine; depressants like Valium, Xanax, and Ambien; stimulants like cocaine, methamphetamine, and Adderall; and inhalants like nitrous oxide, amyl nitrite or butyl nitrate.
Knowing the rules and regulations that govern Colorado truck drivers should help you to make good decisions on a daily basis. It is important to know what your rights are as well, so be sure you research this information if you find yourself in need of legal representation. If you have any problems with driving in Colorado, be sure to contact a Colorado Truck Accident Attorney for assistance.
