Question #1: Am I required to show the pre-trip/ post-trip inspection on my logbook?

Answer #1: No.  There is not a requirement in the regulations that a driver describe their on-duty/ not- driving activities in the remarks section below the graph.  I do recommend that drivers make a notation such as “PTI” in the remarks section as a form of documentation of their Pre-trip inspection.  The Post-trip is documented on the DVIR.

Question #2: How do I show multiple stops less than 15 minutes in duration on my logbook?

Answer #2: Short periods of time (less than 15 minutes) can be shown by drawing a line from the appropriate on-duty/ not-driving or driving line down to the remarks section and writing the amount of time and the geographic location such as “6 minutes-San Antonio, TX.” 

Question #3: What is required for a driver to be exempt from having to maintain a Record of Duty Status (logbook)?

Answer #3: This creates quite a bit of confusion. which I witnessed everyday as a trooper.  In intrastate commerce (Texas-Texas)  there are actually 3 total requirements  and all three must be met.  1. The driver must operate within a 150 air-mile radius of their normal work reporting location.  2. The driver must return to their normal work reporting location and be released from work within 12 hours.  3. Time records must be maintained by the carrier that reflect what time the driver reports for work, the total number of hours worked, and the time the driver is released from work each day.  A motor carrier must maintain these time records for at least 6 months.

Question #4: May I be on duty for more than 14 consecutive hours?

Answer #4: Yes.  A driver may remain on duty for more than 14 hours; however, a driver of a property-carrying CMV cannot drive after the 14th hour after coming on duty.  Also, the additional on-duty time will be counted toward the 60/70 hour on-duty limit.  You can work all the hours needed, but you just cannot drive after the 14th hour.

Question #5: When am I required to have my drivers drug tested?  What if I an self employed or only have 1-2 drivers?

Answer#5: Before a driver is subject to the drug and alcohol testing requirements, that driver must first be required to possess a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for the type of commercial motor vehicle they are operating.

Question #6: Can I carry a concealed weapon in my truck?  What if I have a concealed handgun license?

Answer #6: First of all let me say that even if you’re authorized by law to carry a concealed handgun, follow your employer’s company policy.  There is nothing in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that would prohibit a driver from possessing a firearm in a commercial motor vehicle.  A driver must follow the laws that apply to whatever state they are operating in.  If you are the holder of a Concealed Handgun License (CHL) you must follow the legal requirements that  come with that license.  You may or may not be allowed to carry in a state other than the one that issued the CHL.  Check with the issuing agency.

Question #7: What paperwork is required for me to maintain on my drivers in case of a DOT audit?

Answer #7: This is quite an extensive question that could actually take some time to explain, but here are some of the most important items.  First of all a Driver Qualification file must include an application of employment that meets the requirements of the regulations.  A few other key documents include a negative pre-employment drug test, a medical examiner’s certificate (DOT physical), and a MVR upon employment.  This is not a complete list of documents, but a sampling.

Question #8: Which carriers are affected by CSA?

Answer #8: Any interstate carrier that has a USDOT number is covered by the CSA program, no matter what “type” of carrier that are (for-hire, private, flatbed, van, utility, construction, etc.), what size carrier they are, or what type of vehicles they operate (CDL required versus non-CDL required vehicles).

Question #9: Are intrastate carriers affected by CSA?

Answer #9: It depends on if their state requires intrastate carrier to obtain a US DOT number, if they upload intrastate carrier violations and accident date into the Safetynet/MCMIS system, and if they do anything with the output of the system.  What the states that require intrastate carrier to have a DOT number will do with CSA remains.  As of 09/01/2009 Texas requires all intrastate carriers to obtain a US DOT number and the state does upload intrastate carrier information.

Question #10: Will drivers and carriers “start from scratch” when the CSA system begins measuring and evaluating carriers?

Answer #10: No.  The CSA measurement system will use the existing data (roadside inspections and crash information) from the previous 24 months (36 months for drivers) when it becomes the offcial measurement system.

Question #11: Is it true that if a driver is behind on their logbook and they’re stopped by a motor carrier enforcment offical, that they are allowed 15 minutes to “catch” their logbook up and make it current?

Answer #11: No.  There is nothing in the Federal Motor Carreir Safety Regulations stating that a driver is allowed 15 minutes to update their logbook before an enforcement action can be taken.  FMCSR Section 395.8(f)(1) states: Driver’s shall keep their record of duty status current to the time shown for the last change of duty status.

Question #12: May the windshields and side windows be tinted on a commercial motor vehicle?

Answer #12: Yes, as long as the light transmission is not restricted to less than 70% of the normal transmission.  Simply put, out of the 100% of light directed at the side windows, at least 70% of it must be allowed to pass through the glass.  With the natural tint already in the glass from the manufacturers, even a light layer of after market tint will make it too dark.