What Happens When a Trucking Company Violates FMCSA Rules?

What happens when a trucking company violates FMCSA rules? The legal consequences for carriers can include fiscal penalties, suspension of licenses, and revocation of operations. To remain in compliance, carriers must update their MCS 150 online and manage hours of service.

For help with avoiding FMCSA compliance violations, learn about the services that FMCA Filings provides.

Potential Penalties for Violating FMCSA Rules

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the primary federal agency that oversees commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). The FMCSA’s primary focus is on reducing the risk of operating CMVs for drivers, trucking companies, and other motor vehicle operators on the roads. 

Some of the penalties you could receive for violating these regulations include:

• Fines
• Citations
• Temporary suspension of operations
• Revocation of operating authority 
• Operating license suspension

Legal Liability After an Accident

Companies that violate FMCSA rules may leave themselves vulnerable to legal issues following an accident. Someone injured in an accident with one of the company’s trucks could file a personal injury lawsuit. The injured party’s lawyers may use the company’s FMCSA violations to attempt to prove a level of negligence necessary to win the lawsuit.

How To Avoid FMCSA Penalties

What happens when a trucking company violates FMCSA rules without knowing it? Unfortunately, a company cannot simply claim that it did not understand or know about FMCSA rules. CMV operators must maintain compliance with all regulations at all times.

At FMCA Filings, we help trucking companies understand the FMCSA regulations and remain in compliance.

Areas Where FMCSA Regulations Apply

FMCSA rules apply in several different areas of driver operation and when managing the trucking company. 

Hours of Service Rules

Drivers have limitations on the hours of service (HOS) they can provide continuously or within a day. An HOS violation could result in fines or a license suspension.

Automated Monitoring Devices

FMCSA rules require trucking companies to keep track of the operation of their trucks through electronic logging devices (ELDs). The company must share these records with the FMCSA, ensuring that the drivers are following HOS rules and other regulations.

Testing for Alcohol and Drugs

Any employees working in safety-sensitive areas must undergo occasional drug and alcohol testing. FMCSA regulations can force drug and alcohol screening at the time of hiring and after an accident. Random testing may also be part of the regulations.

Minimum Insurance Requirements

FMCSA rules require that trucking companies carry a minimum level of insurance coverage. Amounts depend on the type of cargo and miles of operation the company engages in.

Why Do FMCSA Violations Occur?

What happens when a trucking company violates FMCSA rules and how can they avoid it? Understanding some of the most common reasons these violations occur can help you avoid them. 

Stressful Situations

Companies that are feeling stress because of driver shortages or demanding customers might try to save time and money by not following all FMCSA rules. 

The stress of understanding the regulations can play a role, too, where companies might struggle to devote enough hours to studying the rules. That’s where a company like FMCA Filings can help, as we break down the key aspects of the regulations that apply to your company, saving you time.

Lack of Oversight

If a company doesn’t have enough people to handle oversight, it can be difficult to remain in FMCSA compliance. FMCA Filings has tools that reduce the amount of time you need to manage FMCSA regulations. 

Lack of Understanding

Some companies simply struggle to keep track of all the rules from the FMCSA. If you're just starting your trucking operation or are a growing company that may be subject to new regulations due to your fleet size, it further complicates the process.

FMCA Filings keeps you updated on any changes to the rules that may affect you, as well as how changes to your fleet may subject you to new regulations. We take the confusion out of following FMCSA regulations, allowing you to focus on company operations.

FMCA Filings Provides Services To Help Trucking Companies Remain in Compliance With FMCSA Rules

At FMCA Filings, we offer services that ensure you never have to worry about answering the question: “What happens when a trucking company violates FMCSA rules?” We focus on helping you maintain compliance with commercial vehicle safety rules at the federal level and within some states.

We help with checking DOT violations and filing all necessary forms for DOT regulation enforcement. To learn more about how to avoid trucking company penalties and the services we provide, contact us through our live chat function.