3:1 Securing Heavy Vehicles.
3:2 When you are transporting big vehicles, equipment, or machinery that weighs more than 10,000 pounds, you must use special rules to keep them secure. 393.130(a)
3:3 When preparing a heavy vehicle for transport, its accessory parts, such as a hydraulic shovel, have to be fully lowered and secured to the vehicle. 393.130(b)(1)
3:4 When preparing heavy vehicles for transport, vehicles with a pivot joint connection must be secured so there is no movement at the connection during transit. 393.130(b)(2)
3:5 To secure heavy vehicles for transport, use at least four tiedowns to prevent movement. 393.130(c)(1)
3:6 Each tiedown has to be attached as close to the front and rear of the vehicle as possible, or to equipment tiedown points. 393.130(c)(2)
3:7 Securing Roll-on/Roll-off or Hook Lift Containers.
3:8 To prevent forward movement, each container has to be blocked by the lifting device, stops, or other suitable methods. 393.134(b)(1)
3:9 To prevent sideways and vertical movement, each container has to be secured to the front of the vehicle by the lifting device or another suitable method. 393.134(b)(2)
3:10 Each container has to be secured to the rear of the vehicle within 6.7 feet in at least one of the following ways: 393.134(b)(3)
3:11 • One tiedown attached to both the vehicle's chassis and the container chassis. 393.134(b)(3)(i)
3:12
3:13
FMCSA Driver Segues
• Two tiedowns placed lengthwise, one on each side of the container, attached from the container to the side rails of the vehicle. 393.134(b)(3)(ii)
• Two hooks, or similar devices, securing both sides of the container to the vehicle's chassis. 393.134(b)(3)(iii)
3:14 Securing Intermodal Containers.
3:15 Secure all bottom corners of a container to a container chassis with strong locking devices. 393.126(b)(1)
3:16 Devices used to secure shipping containers must keep a container from moving no more than 1/2 inch forward, backward, or to either side, and no more than 1 inch vertically. 393.126(b)(2)
3:17 The front and rear of the shipping container should be secured independently to the vehicle. 393.126(b)(3)
3:18 For a vehicle without a container chassis, all lower corners of a loaded shipping container have to rest on the vehicle. 393.126(c)(1)
3:19 Supporting structures for corners must hold container weight and be independently secured to the vehicle. 393.126(c)(1)
3:20 Each container has to be secured to the vehicle by: 393.126(c)(2)
3:21 • Chains, wire ropes, or integral devices that are fixed to all lower corners; or 393.126(c)(2)(i)
3:22 • Crossed chains that are fixed to all upper corners. 393.126(c)(2)(ii)
3:23 The front and rear of a container have to be secured independently to the vehicle. 393.126(c)(3)
3:24 Every chain, wire rope, or locking device must be attached in a way that they cannot accidentally unfasten while driving. 393.126(c)(3)
3:25 If you are driving a vehicle without a container chassis, you do not have to rest all corners of empty shipping containers on the vehicle as long as: 393.126(d)
3:26
Commodity-Specific Cargo Securement
• The empty container is balanced and stable before tiedowns or other equipment to secure the container are attached; and 393.126(d)(1)
3:27
3:28
3:29
• The overhang of an empty container cannot exceed 5 feet from the front or rear of the trailer. 393.126(d)(2)
• If more than 4 feet beyond the rear, flags and/or lights for the projecting load are required. 393.126(d)(2)
• An empty shipping container has to be secured to prevent shifting in any direction. 393.126(d)(4)
3:30 Securing Light Vehicles.
3:31 If you are hauling automobiles, light trucks, or vans weighing 10,000 pounds or less each, you must secure them using these rules: 393.128(a)
3:32
3:33
• At least two tiedowns are used to secure light vehicles at both the front and rear to prevent movement in any direction. 393.128(b)(1)
• For tiedowns made to be hooked up to the structures of light vehicles, there must be mounting points on those vehicles for attachment. 393.128(b)(2)
3:34 Tiedowns made to fit over or around the wheels of light vehicles must be secure enough to prevent movement in all directions. 393.128(b)(3)
3:35 Additonal Cargo-Specific Securement Rules:
3:36
3:37
3:38
3:39
3:40
3:41
3:42
• Logs. 393.116
• Dressed lumber. 393.118
• Metal coils. 393.120
• Paper rolls. 393.122
• Concrete pipe. 393.124
• Crushed vehicles. 393.132
• Large boulders. 393.136
7:1
7:2
7:3
7:4
7:5
No fuel system can leak. 396.3(a)(1)
Each fuel system on your CMV must be located so that: 393.65(b)
• No part of the system goes beyond the widest part of your vehicle. 393.65(b)(1)
• No part of the system is forward of the front axle of a power unit. 393.65(b)(2)
• If fuel is spilled while filling a tank, the fuel will not contact any part of your vehicle's exhaust or electrical systems. 393.65(b)(3)
7:6
7:7
7:8
• Fill pipe openings are located outside your vehicle's passenger and cargo compartments. 393.65(b)(4)
• A fuel line cannot extend between your vehicle and a towed vehicle while in motion. 393.65(b)(5)
• If your bus was manufactured after January 1, 1973, no part of the fuel system can be located above or within the passenger compartment. 393.65(b)(6)
7:9 Each fuel tank must be securely and properly attached to your vehicle. 393.65(c)
7:10 Fuel Lines.
7:11 Any fuel line (apart from diesel fuel) on your vehicle cannot protrude further than 2 inches below the fuel tank or its sump if it is not entirely enclosed by a protective housing. 393.65(f)
7:12
Diesel fuel crossover, return, and withdrawal lines have to be protected against damage if they extend below the bottom of the fuel tank or sump.393.65(f)
7:13 All fuel lines on your vehicle must be long enough and flexible enough to move with the parts they are attached to without getting damaged. 393.65(f)(1)
8 Coupling Devices & Safety Chains
7:14 All fuel lines on your vehicle should be protected against chafing, kinking, or other causes of damage. 393.65(f)(2)
7:15 Liquid fuel tanks have to meet the requirements of the regulations at the time of manufacture. 393.67
7:16 All liquid fuel tank fill pipes need a fuel cap. 393.67(c)(7)(v)
7:17 Compressed natural gas fuel systems have to meet the requirements of the regulations at the time of manufacture. 393.68(b)
7:18 Liquefied petroleum gas or propane fuel systems have to meet the requirements of the regulations at the time of manufacture. 393.69(a)
8 Coupling Devices & Safety Chains
8:1 Your trailer must be within 3 inches of the tow vehicle’s path when driving straight on a smooth, level surface.393.70(a)
8:2 Fifth Wheel Assemblies.
8:3 Proper fifth wheel mounting: 393.70(b)(1)
8:4
8:5
8:6
• The lower half of a fifth wheel has to be fastened to your CMV with the proper brackets, mounting plates, and bolts.
393.70(b)(1)(i)
• Installation cannot crack, warp, or deform the frame, and use a device to prevent the lower half from shifting.
393.70(b)(1)(i)
• The upper half of a fifth wheel has to be fastened to your CMV with the same security required for the installation of the lower half of the fifth wheel. 393.70(b)(1)(ii)
8:7 Every fifth wheel assembly needs a locking mechanism preventing separation of the upper and lower halves unless a manual release is applied. 393.70(b)(2)
FMCSA Driver Segues
8:8 The release may be located so that you can operate it from your driving position in the cab. 393.70(b)(2)
8:9 To effectively distribute the weight and prevent driving interference, the lower half of a fifth wheel should be mounted between the kingpin and back axle of your towing vehicle. 393.70(b)(3)
8:10 The upper half of a fifth wheel should be located so that its weight is properly distributed on its axles and a combination of vehicles can be towed safely. 393.70(b)(3)
8:11 Towing Full Trailers.
8:12 Towing a full trailer requires a tow bar and attachment items for the vehicles. 393.70(c)
8:13 The tow bar must: 393.70(c)
8:14
8:15
8:16
8:17
• Be structurally capable of towing the weight of the tailer. 393.70(c)(1)
• Be properly and securely mounted. 393.70(c)(2)
• Have an adequate coupling without excessive slack. 393.70(c)(3)
• Have a locking device to prevent accidental separation of your vehicle and the trailer. 393.70(c)(4)
8:18 The trailer hitch mounting on your vehicle must have reinforcing or bracing of the frame to prevent warping. 393.70(c)(4)
8:19 Tow-bar Failure or Disconnection.
8:20 All full trailers have to be connected to the frame of your vehicle with at least one safety device. 393.70(d)
8:21 Use two safety chains or cables on opposite sides of the centerline of your towing vehicle. 393.70(d)(8)(i)
8:22 Use two safety chains or cables on your towing vehicle, attached at the same point on or near the centerline. 393.70(d)(8)(ii)
Coupling Devices & Safety Chains
8:23 The safety device (not a chain or cable) on your towing vehicle must be attached at a point on or near the centerline. 393.70(d)(8)(iii)
8:24 Driveaway-towaway Coupling Devices and Towing Operations.
8:25 Evenly distribute the weight of fullmount and saddlemount vehicles to prevent interference with the combination of vehicles. 393.71(b)(2),(3)
8:26 Use a tow bar, ball-and-socket coupling device, saddlemount connections, or a fifth-wheel when towing a CMV or combination of vehicles. 393.71(g)
8:27 When using a towbar for a driveaway-towaway operation, the coupling devices used must meet the requirements of this section and have proper safety chains. 393.71(h)
8:28 Securely fasten the tow bar to the towed vehicle and your towing vehicle. 393.71(h)(5)
8:29 Safety Devices for Tow-bar Failure.
8:30 A towed vehicle has to be connected to your towing vehicle with a safety device to prevent it from breaking loose in the event of a tow bar failure. 393.71(h)(10)(i)
8:31 If you use chains or cables to connect the towed and towing vehicles, you must use at least two. 393.71(h)(10)(i)
8:32 Chains or cables have to be crossed and attached to both vehicles near where the bumpers attach to the chassis. 393.71(h)(10)(ii)
8:33 The length of the chains or cables should only be long enough to allow the free turning of the vehicles. 393.71(h)(10)(ii)
8:34 You should attach chains to the tow bar as close as possible to where they cross. 393.71(h)(10)(ii)
8:35 Safety devices other than chains or cables: 393.71(h)(10)(iii)
12 Frame & Body Violations
12:1 Your vehicle's frame cannot be cracked, loose, sagging, or broken. 393.201(a)
12:2 The bolts or brackets that secure the cab of your vehicle to the frame cannot be loose, broken, or missing. 393.201(b)
12:3 The frame rail flanges between the axles of your vehicle cannot be bent, cut, or notched aside from the manufacturer's recommendations. 393.201(c)
12:4 Only manufacturer recommended parts and accessories can be welded to the frame or chasis of your vehicle. 393.201(d)
12:5 Only holes specified by the manufacturers can be drilled in the top or bottom rail flanges. 393.201(e)
12:6 All parts and components of your cab must be secure and safe. 393.203
12:7 Your vehicle cab's entry and exit doors cannot be: 393.203(a)
12:8
12:9
12:10
• Broken or missing. 393.203(a)
• Sagging in a way that would prevent a door from opening properly. 393.203(a)
• Wired or blocked shut. 393.203(a)
12:11 The bolts or brackets that secure the cab of your vehicle to the frame cannot be loose, broken, or missing. 393.203(b)
12:12 Securely attach your vehicle's hood. 393.203(c)
12:13 Securely attach your vehicle's seats. 393.203(d)
12:14 Your front bumper cannot be missing, loosely attached, or extend past the sides of your vehicle. 393.203(e)
12:15 Your wheels and rims cannot be cracked or broken. 393.205(a)
12:16
The stud or bolt holes on the wheels of your vehicle cannot be out of round. 393.205(b)
12:17 Any wheel's nuts and bolts cannot be loose. 393.205(c)
12
Frame & Body Violations
12:18 Make sure your axle positioning parts are not cracked, broken, or missing. 393.207(a)
12:19 Keep your axles aligned. 393.207(a)
12:20 Any adjustable axles must have locking pins intact and in place. 393.207(b)
12:21 All leaf springs must be intact and in place where they should be. 393.207(c)
12:22 All coil springs shall be intact. 393.207(d)
12:23 Your torsion bars and suspensions shall be intact. 393.207(e)
12:24 You must have at least 55 psi in the braking system before the valve allows air into the suspension. 393.207(f)
12:25 Your vehicle must be level, and air leakage may not be greater than 3 psi in a 5-minute time period if your vehicle's air pressure gauge shows normal. 393.207(f)
12:26 Air suspension exhaust controls cannot take air from just one side axle of a two-axle air trailer unless the controls are located on the trailer or the vehicle is traveling at 10 mph or less. 393.207(g)
12:27 Your steering wheel must be properly secured and have all its spokes intact. 393.209(a)
12:28 Your steering wheel lash must conform to expectations for its diameter. 393.209(b)
12:29 You cannot have excessive steering wheel free play. 393.209(b)
12:30 The steering column must be securely fastened to your vehicle. 393.209(c)
12:31 All components of your steering system should be intact and in place securely. 393.209(d)
12:32 Your steering wheel should turn freely in both directions. 393.209(d)
FMCSA Driver Segues
12:33 Your power steering system must be in good operating condition with no loose or broken parts or frayed, cracked, or slipping belts. 393.209(e)
12:34 You should not have leaks in your power steering fluid, and there should be sufficient fluid in the reservoir. 393.209(e)
13 General Violations
13:1 All parts and accessories needed to safely operate your vehicle must be kept in proper operating condition. 396.3(a)(1)
13:2 Make sure your vehicle is properly lubricated. 396.5(a)
13:3 Keep your vehicle free of any oil or grease leaks. 396.5(b)
13:4 Do not drive your vehicle if it is likely to break down or cause an accident. 396.7
13:5 Your employer cannot allow you to drive an out-of-service vehicle. 396.9(c)(2)
13:6 You cannot remove and/or drive an out-of-service vehicle unless all out-of-service violations have been corrected. 396.9(c)(3)
13:7 Only operate your vehicle after all defects or necessary repairs noted on the inspection report have been fixed. 396.9(d)(2)
13:8 You are required to do a post-trip inspection at the end of each day. 396.11
13:9 Document the inspection if a problem with the vehicle is discovered and not fixed before the end of that shift or day. 396.11
13:10 Always carry the most recent and current documentation for your vehicle's annual inspection in or on your commercial vehicle. 396.17(c)
14 Commercial Driver's License Violations
14:1 Commercial Driver's License (CDL).
14:2 Only one commercial driver's license is allowed while operating a commercial vehicle. 383.21
14:3 Only drive vehicles from the vehicle group on your CDL. 383.23(a)(1)
14:4 Group A: any vehicle combination with: 383.91(a)(1)
14:5
14:6
• A gross combination vehicle weight (GCVW) of 26,001 pounds or more; and 383.91(a)(1)
• A gross vehicle weight rating of the vehicle being towed is more than 10,000 pounds. 383.91(a)(1)
14:7 Group B: any single vehicle with: 383.91(a)(2)
14:8
14:9
• A GCVW of 26,001 pounds or more; or 383.91(a)(2)
• A combination vehicle where the vehicle being towed has a GVWR of less than 10,000 pounds. 383.91(a)(2)
14:10 Group C: any vehicle or vehicle combination that: 383.91(a)(3)
14:11
14:12
• Is not Group A or Group B; and 383.91(a)(3)
• Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) or used to transport hazardous materials. 383.91(a)(3)
14:13 Required CDL Endorsements:
14:14 Hazardous Materials Endorsement (H): Driving anything that requires placards. 383.23(a)(1)
14:15 Tanker Endorsement (T): Hauling totes, portable tanks, and/or driving a tank truck and the combined capacity is 1,000 gallons or more. 383.23(a)(1)
14:16 Passenger Endorsement (P): Transporting 15 or more people. 383.23(a)(1)
FMCSA Driver Segues
14:17 School Bus Endorsement (S): Transporting schoolchildren in a school bus. 383.23(a)(1)
14:18 Always wear glasses, contact lenses, or hearing aids if prescribed on your CDL. 383.23(a)(1)
14:19
If you have a Commercial Learner's Permit (CLP):
14:20 Always drive with a CDL driver. 383.25(a)(1)
14:21 Only drive in the state your CLP is issued. 383.25(a)(2)
14:22 Do not drive: 383.25(a)
14:23
14:24
14:25
• A passenger-carrying public or school bus. 383.25(a)(5)(i) & (ii)
• A loaded tank vehicle. 383.25(a)(5)(iii)
• Any vehicle required to be placarded. 383.25(a)(6)
14:26 Disqualification.
14:27
Do not operate a CMV if you are ineligible for a commercial learner's permit or a commercial driver's license. 383.51(a)
14:28 Disqualification is defined as having any of the following occur: 383.5
14:29
14:30
14:31
• Your commercial learner's permit or commercial driver's license has been suspended, revoked, or canceled. 383.5
• Your privileges to operate a CMV have been revoked because you broke a traffic law. 383.5
• The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has determined you are not qualified. 383.5
14:32 Driver Application and Certification Procedures.
14:33 Submit a current medical examiner's certificate to your licensing state if required. 383.71(h)(2)
14:34 Failure to submit the medical examiner's certificate results in the following: 383.71(h)(2)
14:35
• A "downgraded" status of "non-certified" on the commercial driver's record. 383.71(h)(2)
14:36
14 Commercial Driver's License Violations
• A downgrade of their CDL to a non-CDL license of the same class. 383.71(h)(2)
14:37 Operating Authority.
14:38 Do not operate a CMV transporting passengers or goods as a business unless you have proper operating authority. 392.9a(a)(1)
14:39 Do not operate a CMV as a business outside the scope of your approved operating authority. 392.9a(a)(2)
14:40 Prohibited Transportation.
14:41 You cannot operate a CMV in interstate commerce without a valid and active USDOT number. 392.9b(a)
14:42 If you operate a CMV without a valid and active USDOT number, the motor carrier may be penalized. 392.9b(a)
14:43 Additional Equipment and Accessories.
14:44 You may use additional equipment and accessories as long as they do not conflict with DOT regulations or decrease the safety of your operation of a commercial vehicle. 390.17
14:45 Mexico-domiciled Motor Carrier Identification.
14:46 File an MCS-150 form with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration before transporting property or passengers in interstate commerce and every 24 months afterward. 390.19(b)(2)
14:47 Vehicle Markings.
14:48 Mark all CMVs and intermodal chassis equipment with the following information: 390.21T(a)
14:49 • The legal or trade name of the motor carrier operating the vehicle. 390.21T(b)(1)
14:50 • The letters "USDOT," followed by their FMCSA identification number. 390.21T(b)(2)
FMCSA Driver Segues
14:51 If any other legal or trade name is on the vehicle other than the operating carrier's that name must be preceded by the words "operated by." 390.21T(b)(c)
14:52 DOT-required marking display: 390.21T(c)
14:53
14:54
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14:56
• Place them on both sides of your CMV. 390.21T(c)(1)
• Ensure the letters are a color distinctly different from the background. 390.21T(c)(2)
• Verify they can be easily read in daylight from 50 feet away. 390.21T(c)(3)
• Maintain all markings so they can be easily seen and read. 390.21T(c)(4)
14:57 Markings on Rented Vehicles.
14:58 Your CMV must have required DOT markings for the motor carrier if used for less than 30 days under a rental or lease agreement. 390.21T(e)
14:59
Carry the rental agreement paperwork in the vehicle at all times during the entire rental period. 390.21T(e)
14:60 The agreement must contain all the following information: 390.21T(e)
14:61
14:62
• The name and physical address of the rentee's place of business. 390.21T(e)(2)(iii)(A)
• The letters "USDOT" followed by the rentee's FMCSA identification number if they have one. 390.21T(e)(2)(iii)(B)
14:63 In place of an identification number, the following may be shown in the agreement: 390.21T(e)(2)(iii)(B)
14:64
14:65
• Information about whether the rentee is engaging in "interstate" or "intrastate" commerce. 390.21T(e)(2)(iii)(B)(1)
• Whether hazardous materials are being transported in the vehicle. 390.21T(e)(2)(iii)(B)(2)