The landscapes of Iowa and Illinois are crisscrossed by highways filled with semi-trucks. When truck drivers and trucking companies do not operate their vehicles responsibly or follow Iowa and Illinois truck driver laws, these vehicles increase the risk of deadly crashes and catastrophic injuries.
In this blog, our Quad Cities truck accident lawyers review Iowa and Illinois truck driver laws and offer tips on sharing the road safely with semi-truck drivers.
Iowa and Illinois Truck Driver Laws Explained
Whether you’re a trucker or a motorist sharing the road, understanding essential Iowa and Illinois truck driver laws can help prevent accidents and protect your rights if you’ve been in an accident. Here’s a quick rundown of Iowa and Illinois truck driver laws to know:
License Requirements and Vehicle Weight Limits
Both Iowa and Illinois require a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), including:
- A vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or Gross Combination Vehicle Weight Rating (GCWWR) of 26,001 pounds or more.
- A vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver).
- A vehicle that requires placards for transporting hazardous materials as required by The United States Department of Transportation (DOT).
Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations
Iowa and Illinois truck driver laws adhere to federal Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations dictate limitations on driving time and rest periods to prevent driver fatigue:
- Drivers cannot drive over 11 hours after a 10-hour off-duty break.
- They cannot drive after 14 consecutive hours on duty (which includes driving time and other work activities).
- They must take a 30-minute break within the first 8 hours of a shift.
- Weekly limitations exist on total driving time (70 hours in an 8-day period).
Additionally, truck drivers must log their drive and rest time with electronic logging devices (ELDs). ELDs are digital devices mandated for most commercial motor vehicles in the United States. They automatically track a driver’s hours of service data, replacing traditional paper logbooks. Incorrectly logging data violates FMCSA policy.
Drug and Alcohol Testing
Iowa and Illinois truck driver laws try to prevent truck accidents caused by impaired driving and adhere to The Department of Transportation (DOT) nationwide drug and alcohol testing policy. This is required for CDL holders and is enforced by FMCSA. Tests are administered pre-employment, random, post-accident, and under reasonable suspicion. A positive drug or alcohol test or a refusal to test will result in a DOT violation.
Depending on the severity, penalties can include disqualification from driving a CMV for up to three years, mandatory substance abuse treatment, and employer-imposed actions.
Commercial Vehicle Insurance Requirements
The FMCSA sets the national minimum liability insurance requirements for CMVs operating interstate (crossing state lines). These minimums depend on the cargo being transported:
- Non-Hazardous Freight (under 10,001 lbs): $300,000 per accident
- Non-Hazardous Freight (over 10,001 lbs): $750,000 per accident
- Hazardous Materials: Varies depending on the type of material, ranging from $5,000,000 to $1,000,000 per accident.
While the average driver will likely not be aware of these Iowa and Illinois truck driver laws, reporting truck driver misconduct is vital to reducing accidents. You can report truck driver misconduct via the FMCSA’s National Consumer Complaint Database. Make sure to contact the local police department as well. If you’ve been in an accident involving a commercial vehicle, this report will serve as evidence that the truck driver or trucking company acted negligently and can be held liable for any damages.
Tips for Safe Driving Around Semi-Trucks in Iowa and Illinois
Many drivers are intimidated by sharing the road with large trucks. By remembering these points, you can navigate the highways of Iowa and Illinois safely alongside semi-trucks and other large vehicles.
- Semi-trucks have massive blind spots on the sides and rear of the trailer. If you can’t see the truck driver in their mirror, they can’t see you!
- Because of their weight, semi-trucks take much longer to stop than cars. Increase your following distance to account for this–especially on slick roads or heavy traffic.
- Trucks need extra space to make turns. Be patient and wait for them to complete their maneuver before proceeding.
- Avoid speeding, tailgating, and weaving in and out of traffic.
- Avoid distractions, focus on the road, and practice defensive driving.
- Pay attention to road signs. Be aware of weight limits and lane restrictions, especially on roads with heavy truck traffic.
- Turn on your headlights at dusk and dawn, even if it seems bright out, to ensure trucks can see you.
Injured in a Truck Accident? Contact a Quad Cities Personal Injury Lawyer
Understanding truck driver laws is important for both truckers and motorists alike. By following the regulations and reporting unsafe driving practices, we can contribute to a safer transportation environment on the roads of Iowa and Illinois.
If you or a loved one have been injured by the negligent or reckless actions of another, one of our Quad Cities injury attorneys will fight for you and see you receive a fair settlement. Our caring and compassionate lawyers will support you throughout your journey of seeking compensation for your injuries, pain and suffering, lost wages, and more.
To get started on your claim, schedule your free case consultation. Reach us by phone at (309) 794-1515, via LiveChat, or by filling out our contact form.