Nevada State Laws Governing Truck Accidents
The forceful impact of a collision between a semi-truck and a car is nothing short of devastating. Whether they happen on the I-80, 395, or any other roadway around Reno, these types of accidents are especially overwhelming when the fault of the wreck can be placed squarely on the truck driver’s actions. Unfortunately, assigning blame isn’t without challenges.
That is especially true when a large truck carrier does not want to admit liability.
To determine who is liable, it is important to first examine whether any laws were broken by the truck driver or their company. The laws governing commercial vehicles are established at the federal level by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and at the state level by the Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) and the Nevada Department of Motor Vehicles.
Understanding the laws and applying them to an insurance claim is one of the many benefits you can receive from working with an experienced truck accident attorney in Reno like you’ll find at the Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp.
Nevada State Laws Governing Truck Accidents
The goal of any traffic law is to reduce the risk of an accident and make the roads safer for every motorist. Many of the Nevada state laws that pertain to trucking accidents are the same laws that were first established by the FMCSA. These are the laws we’ll investigate in the aftermath of an accident.
Hours of Service Regulations
Driving while drowsy is a major concern for anyone behind the wheel. That is especially true if that driver is in control of an 80,000-pound rig. Despite the demands that might be put on a truck driver to make their deliveries, the Nevada service hour standards are the same as the federal rules.
Here’s what truckers must adhere to:
- 11-hour driving limit
- Drivers are permitted to drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- 14-hour limit
- Truck drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty following a 10-hour rest period.
Mandatory Rest Breaks
Drivers are obligated to take a 30-minute break after they’ve been on the road for eight consecutive hours.
Following these regulations can help reduce fatigue-related accidents. If the driving logs indicate the driver exceeded their limitations, their alertness may come into question.
Weight Limits and Load Requirements
At times, it might seem like a commercial vehicle carries an unlimited amount of heavy cargo, but there are restrictions. These restrictions are spelled out in NRS 484D – Equipment, Inspections, and size, weight, and load of vehicles.
This Nevada law imposes strict weight limits on all commercial vehicles traveling across the state. Generally, the maximum weight for a truck and its cargo is 80,000 pounds. If a truck exceeds the 80,000-pound limit, it must obtain a special permit.
Additionally, all cargo has to be properly secured. Those details are also spelled out in NRS 484D. Any trucker who doesn’t follow those laws can be hit with a hefty fine.
Speed Limits for Trucks
The speed limit for trucks in Nevada varies by region. For instance, on some rural interstates, trucks are restricted to 75 mph or less. On certain segments of other highways, speeds can reach 80 mph. Even though these speed limits might vary, there are clear signs posted along the road. If a truck driver exceeds the speed limit, they can be cited and fined.
Drug and Alcohol Testing
When it comes to drug and alcohol testing, Nevada requires truck drivers to follow the federal regulations for drug and alcohol testing. That starts at the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit of 0.04% as opposed to 0.08% for regular motorists. Commercial truck drivers in Nevada are also subjected to mandatory random drug and alcohol testing.
Distracted Driving
Like many other states, Nevada has a hands-free law in effect to help reduce incidents of distracted driving. The law restricts any motorist from texting, accessing the internet, or using a hand-held cell phone while driving. If you are cited, you can be fined $50 for the first offense, up to $250 for subsequent offenses. Those laws apply to truck drivers as well.
When Should You Get an Attorney Involved for a Truck Accident Claim?
It is important to note that a truck driver with a history of traffic violations may not be the best candidate to operate a commercial vehicle in the state.
That makes it a liability issue for the trucking company that hired the driver.
These are the types of issues that the Law Office of Matthew L. Sharp can help with. We’re experienced Reno truck accident attorneys with extensive investigative skills that help our clients identify all parties who may be held responsible for a serious truck collision.
