Regulations that Texas Semi Drivers Must Follow

Regulations That Texas Semi Drivers Must Follow

Texas semi-drivers face unique challenges on the road. Navigating the Lone Star State's vast highways requires adherence to specific regulations to ensure all motorists' safety, and understanding these rules is crucial for truck drivers operating in Texas.

You may be curious about the details of these regulations and how they affect your everyday operations. In Texas, semi-drivers must follow specific rules, including weight limits and driving hours. Adhering to these guidelines is important for staying legal, ensuring safety, and reducing the risk of accidents and liability issues.

Stewart J. Guss, Injury Lawyers, understands the complexities of Texas trucking laws. We’re here to guide you through any legal hurdles you may encounter on the road.

Licensing and Certification Requirements

Texas semi-drivers must meet specific licensing and certification requirements to operate commercial vehicles legally and safely. These requirements ensure drivers possess the necessary skills and qualifications for their roles.

Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

You need a valid Commercial Driver's License (CDL) to drive a semi-truck in Texas. The Texas Department of Public Safety issues three classes of CDLs:

• Class A: For combination vehicles with a gross combined weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more.
• Class B: For single vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more.
• Class C: For vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers or hazardous materials.

To obtain a CDL, you must:

• Be at least 18 years old for intrastate driving or 21 for interstate driving
• Pass a written knowledge test
• Complete a skills test, including vehicle inspection, basic control, and road test

Endorsements and Restrictions

Depending on the type of cargo or vehicle you'll be operating, you may need additional endorsements on your CDL:

• H: Hazardous materials
• N: Tank vehicles
• P: Passenger vehicles
• S: School buses
• T: Double/triple trailers
• X: Combination of tank vehicle and hazardous materials

To obtain these endorsements, you must pass specific knowledge and skills tests. Some endorsements, like hazardous materials, require a background check.

Restrictions may also be placed on your CDL, such as:

• E: No manual transmission
• K: Intrastate only
• L: No air brake-equipped CMV

Medical Certification

As a semi-truck driver in Texas, you must maintain a valid medical certificate to remain a qualified driver. This certification verifies your physical fitness to operate a commercial vehicle safely.

To obtain a medical certificate:

1. Undergo a physical examination by a certified medical examiner
2. Pass vision and hearing tests
3. Meet blood pressure and other health requirements

The medical certificate is typically valid for up to 24 months. You must carry this certificate with you while driving and provide a copy to the Texas Department of Public Safety.

Some medical conditions may disqualify you from obtaining a medical certificate, including:

• Insulin-dependent diabetes
• Certain heart conditions
• Epilepsy
• Vision or hearing impairments that don't meet federal standards

Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations

Daily Driving Limits

• You can drive a maximum of 11 hours within a 14-hour on-duty period
• This 14-hour window starts as soon as you begin any work-related tasks
• Once you reach the 14-hour limit, you must take a 10-hour off-duty break before driving again
• Your driving time must not exceed 60 hours in 7 consecutive days or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days, depending on your company's operating schedule

Mandatory Rest Periods

You're required to take a 30-minute break after driving for eight cumulative hours. This break can be satisfied by any non-driving period of 30 consecutive minutes, such as on-duty time not spent driving or off-duty time.

A 10-hour off-duty period is mandatory between driving shifts. You can split this into two periods:

• A period of at least seven consecutive hours in the sleeper berth
• A period of at least two consecutive hours either in the sleeper berth or off-duty

Electronic Logging Devices

• Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are required, as they record your driving time and duty status and automatically track your vehicle's movement and location
• These devices ensure accurate recording of your hours and help you comply with HOS regulations, but you're responsible for verifying and certifying your logs daily
• ELDs must be registered with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
  You're required to keep supporting documents for your logs, such as bills of lading and fuel receipts

Texas Emissions Testing and Compliance Regulations

To adhere to Texas emissions testing and compliance regulations, semi-drivers and trucking companies must ensure their vehicles meet state and federal exhaust emissions and pollution control standards. This includes compliance with the following key regulations:

Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) Emissions Inspections

Trucks manufactured after 2007 must use ultra-low sulfur diesel fuel, which contains 97% less sulfur than older diesel types, significantly reducing harmful emissions. Keep the following in mind:

• In some areas of Texas, including Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and El Paso, heavy-duty diesel trucks weighing over 14,000 pounds are required to pass annual emissions inspections
• These tests assess the levels of pollutants like nitrogen oxides (NOx) and particulate matter (PM) emitted from the vehicle’s exhaust
• Failing this test can result in fines and require repairs before the vehicle is allowed back on the road

Federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Standards

Texas semi-drivers must comply with the EPA’s emissions standards under the Clean Air Act, limiting harmful pollutants' emissions.

The EPA has implemented stringent regulations on diesel engines, including requiring trucks to be equipped with advanced exhaust treatment systems like Selective Catalytic Reduction (SCR) to reduce NOx emissions.

Use of Diesel Particulate Filters (DPF)

The Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) requires diesel trucks to have functioning DPFs, which capture and store exhaust soot to prevent it from being released into the atmosphere.

Drivers must ensure their DPF systems are adequately maintained and free of blockages or damage, as failing to do so could result in excessive pollution and regulatory penalties.

Anti-Idling Regulations

Texas enforces anti-idling regulations for heavy-duty vehicles to reduce air pollution, particularly in metropolitan areas.

• Semi-drivers are prohibited from idling for more than five minutes in designated counties like Dallas, Harris, and Travis
• Violating these restrictions can result in fines, with exceptions allowed for specific conditions like extreme weather or traffic congestion
• You're allowed to idle if temperatures are below 32°F or above 100°F to maintain cab comfort

Exhaust Aftertreatment Maintenance

Semi-trucks are often equipped with Diesel Oxidation Catalysts (DOC) and Diesel Exhaust Fluid (DEF) injection systems, further reducing harmful emissions. Drivers are required to ensure these systems are properly maintained, regularly inspected, and operating efficiently to meet Texas and federal standards.

For example, if a semi-truck traveling through Houston exceeds NOx emission limits, the driver could face fines and be required to undergo costly repairs. By staying proactive with regular maintenance, emissions testing, and adhering to Texas’ regulations, semi-drivers can avoid these penalties and contribute to better air quality across the state.

Alcohol and Controlled Substances Policies

Texas semi-drivers must comply with strict regulations regarding alcohol and controlled substances. These policies aim to ensure road safety and protect drivers and other motorists.

Testing Requirements

• You must undergo pre-employment drug and alcohol testing before operating a commercial vehicle.
• Random testing occurs throughout the year, with at least 50% of drivers tested for drugs and 10% for alcohol annually.
• Post-accident testing is mandatory if you're involved in a fatal crash or receive a citation for a moving violation in an injury accident. You'll also face testing if reasonable suspicion exists that you're under the influence.
• Return-to-duty and follow-up testing apply if you've previously violated substance abuse policies.

Prohibited Behaviors

• You're forbidden from consuming alcohol within 4 hours of going on duty or operating a commercial vehicle
• Your blood alcohol concentration must remain below 0.04% while on duty
• Using controlled substances is strictly prohibited, except when prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner who's aware of your driving duties
• Refusing to submit to required alcohol or drug tests is considered a violation

Penalties for Violation

First-time offenders face immediate removal from safety-sensitive functions and a minimum 1-year CDL disqualification. A second violation results in a lifetime ban from operating commercial vehicles. Keep the following in mind:

• You'll need to complete a substance abuse professional evaluation and treatment program before returning to duty
• Employers may impose additional penalties, including termination of employment
• Criminal charges can apply, especially if you're caught driving under the influence

Road Regulations Specific to Texas

Weight and Size Limits

Semi-trucks in Texas must adhere to strict weight and size regulations. For example:

• The maximum gross vehicle weight is 80,000 pounds on interstate highways
• Width limits are set at 8.5 feet, while the height limit is 14 feet

Length restrictions vary depending on the type of vehicle:

• Single trucks: 45 feet
• Truck-tractor semi-trailer combinations: No overall length limit, but 59 feet for the semi-trailer
• Truck-tractor semi-trailer-trailer combinations: No overall length limit, but 28.5 feet for each trailer

Exceptions may apply with proper permits. You must ensure your vehicle complies with these limits to avoid fines and penalties.

Permit Requirements

Texas requires special permits for oversized or overweight loads. You must obtain these permits before operating on state highways.

Types of permits include:

• Single-trip permits
• Annual permits for specific routes
• Superload permits for extremely heavy or large loads

To apply for a permit, you need to provide:

• Vehicle information
• Load details
• Proposed route
• Insurance documentation

Processing times vary, so plan ahead. Some permits can be obtained online through the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles website.

Texas Roadway Restrictions

• No trucks over 65 feet in length on certain state highways
• Reduced speed limits in construction zones and on specific roadways
• Lane restrictions in urban areas often limit trucks to the righthand lanes
• Some cities have designated truck routes, which you're required to use unless making local deliveries
• Night driving restrictions may apply in residential areas
• During severe weather, Texas may implement temporary restrictions, so stay informed about current road conditions and any emergency regulations in effect

Insurance and Liability

Texas semi-drivers must meet specific insurance requirements and consider liability coverage options to operate legally and protect themselves financially.

Minimum Coverage Requirements

You need to maintain minimum liability insurance as a Texas semi-driver. Here’s what you need to know:

• The exact amount depends on the type of cargo you transport. For non-hazardous freight in trucks over 26,000 pounds, you must carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage.
• If you haul hazardous materials, your minimum increases to $1,000,000 or $5,000,000, depending on the specific substances. Oil transport requires $1,000,000 in coverage.
• These policies protect you from financial responsibility if you cause damage or injuries to others while operating your semi-truck.

Additional Coverage Options

Beyond the mandatory minimums, you should consider extra insurance to safeguard your business:

• Physical damage coverage protects your truck from accidents, theft, or vandalism
• Cargo insurance covers the goods you transport if they're damaged or stolen
• Non-trucking liability insurance provides protection when you're not under dispatch
• Bobtail insurance covers you when driving without a trailer
• Occupational accident coverage offers benefits if you're injured on the job

Trust Guss For Cases related to Texas Semi Regulations

Choosing Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers for cases related to Texas semi-truck regulations ensures that you have a team of experienced professionals by your side, dedicated to protecting your rights. With a deep understanding of the intricate regulations governing semi-truck drivers and the trucking industry, we can build a strong case by identifying violations such as emissions standards, hours-of-service rules, or maintenance failures. Our commitment to thorough investigation, personalized client care, and achieving maximum compensation sets us apart from other law firms.

Whether you’ve been involved in an accident or are dealing with regulatory breaches, our team is ready to fight for the justice you deserve. Contact Stewart J. Guss, Injury Lawyers, today to book a free consultation, and let us help you navigate your case with confidence and expertise.