DOT agrees to issue new rules

Mar 3, 2003 12:00 PM

The Department of Transportation (DOT) has agreed to issue a series of truck safety rules that apply to drivers’ hours-of-service, hazardous materials, background checks for drivers, and training requirements for multi-trailer rigs, according to information from Public Citizen. The agreement follows a lawsuit filed by Public Citizen and other highway safety advocates.

According to Public Citizen information, DOT has agreed to issue final rules pertaining to:

•Truck driver fatigue and required rest periods, hours-of-service, and other fatigue-related issues no later than May 31, 2003.

•Minimum training standards for entry-level drivers of commercial motor vehicles by May 31, 2004.

•Minimum training requirements for drivers of longer-combination vehicles (multi-trailer rigs) no later than March 30, 2004.

•Requirements for authorization to transport hazardous materials by June 30, 2004.

•Background checks for new commercial drivers, including what information prospective employers are required to obtain and what information prior employers are required to provide no later than March 30, 2004.