Plain-language explanations of the federal rules that actually affect day-to-day trucking, each with the real CFR citation so you can verify it yourself — hours of service, ELDs, roadside inspections, drug testing, driver files, and vehicle maintenance.
49 CFR Part 395
Property-carrying CMV drivers may drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, within a 14-hour on-duty window, with a 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative driving hours. Weekly on-duty time is capped at 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days, resettable with 34 consecutive hours off duty.
Read more49 CFR 395.8
Most drivers required to keep records of duty status must use a registered, FMCSA-certified Electronic Logging Device under 49 CFR 395.8. Exemptions exist for drivers using paper logs no more than 8 days in any 30-day period, drive-away-tow-away operations, and vehicles built before model year 2000, plus drivers who qualify for the short-haul recordkeeping exception.
Read moreCVSA North American Standard Inspection Program
CVSA's North American Standard Inspection Program defines multiple inspection levels, from the comprehensive 40-minute Level I (driver credentials plus a full undercarriage vehicle check) down to specialized inspections for a single system or hazard class. Knowing what each level actually checks helps you keep the right paperwork on hand and know what to expect at a scale or checkpoint.
Read more49 CFR Part 382
CDL holders performing safety-sensitive functions are subject to random, pre-employment, post-accident, and reasonable-suspicion drug and alcohol testing under 49 CFR Part 382. Current minimum random testing rates are 50% of driver positions annually for controlled substances and 10% for alcohol. Owner-operators can't run a do-it-yourself random pool — they must join a consortium.
Read more49 CFR Part 391
Every CMV driver needs a Driver Qualification File (DQF) under 49 CFR 391.51 containing their employment application, road test or CDL verification, motor vehicle record checks, and a current medical examiner's certificate confirming they're physically qualified to drive. Medical certificates are issued by an examiner listed on FMCSA's National Registry and typically expire in 1-2 years.
Read more49 CFR Part 396
Motor carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain every commercial vehicle under their control under 49 CFR Part 396, including a written Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR) at the end of each day's work, an annual periodic inspection by a qualified inspector, and maintenance records retained for at least 12 months.
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