What Are the Legal Consequences of Truck Driver Logbook Violations?
A typical long-haul trucker averages around 600 miles per day. That is a lot of time on the road that can lead to driver fatigue. When a truck driver is drowsy, they experience the same type of lack of focus as they would if they were intoxicated.
That puts a drowsy driver at greater risk of being involved in an accident. That is why the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets service hours for drivers.
It is also why they require the truck driver to keep a logbook. If a truck driver is found in violation of logbook requirements, the driver can face significant fines and risk losing their commercial driver’s license (CDL).
Those logbook violations could also be used to demonstrate the trucking company’s negligence. These are the types of scenarios where an experienced Jackson truck accident attorney can be a powerful ally. When investigating a truck accident, all legal consequences must be examined to strengthen the claim.
Understanding Truck Driver Service Hours
The FMCSA leaves very little wiggle room when it comes to truck driver service hours.
Those regulations limit property-carrying truck drivers to a maximum of 11 hours of driving time within a 14-hour on-duty window, which follows 10 consecutive hours of off-duty time.
Without those 11 hours, drivers must also take a 30-minute break after at least 8 hours of driving.
There is also a 14-hour limit that prevents a driver from operating their truck beyond the 14th consecutive hour after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Sound confusing?
Think of it as two separate clocks. One for the actual driving time and one for the actual workday. For instance, a driver might hit the road early in the morning and drive for five hours. They then stop for two hours to refuel and load cargo. Then they get back on the road for another six hours.
That comes out to 11 hours of driving time and 13 total for the workday.
Because it falls within the 14-hour window, it is still considered legal. Have you ever worked a 14-hour day? Clearly, driver fatigue remains a concern, and that is why drivers need to log their hours. It is the best way to ensure they remain in compliance with the regulations.
Common Types of Logbook Violations in Trucking
It might seem that keeping logs of a trucker’s workday is straightforward, especially when truckers are obliged to use an Electronic Logging Device (ELD). However, there are many ways that a trucker can be in violation. Here’s what could happen.
Falsified Record of Duty Status (RODS) Logs
This can involve intentionally falsifying logs to hide excessive driving time or missed breaks.
A truck driver might also attempt to alter previous entries or fail to sign or certify the accuracy of ELD data. These can all lead to criminal charges.
ELD Malfunctions and Improper Use
There could also be an issue if the driver fails to use a compliant Electronic Logging Device (ELD). An older, out-of-date system might cause a failure in the electronic transfer of records to inspectors.
Not Retaining Records
Drivers must retain up to the previous 7 days of logs after they’ve been submitted for compliance. They must also be updated in real time.
Incomplete Information
A driver can also leave out crucial data like miles driven, location, driver name, or carrier identification.
Wrong Status
If the driver fails to switch to “On-Duty” while fueling or to “Personal Conveyance” when not working, it may constitute another log violation.
How Logbook Fraud Proves Negligence in a Crash
If a driver intentionally falsifies their logbook data, they might be trying to hide the fact that they’re working past the service hour limits. That can demonstrate fatigue, which is a major contributor to truck accidents.
If a driver also deliberately falsifies their logbooks, it is a conscious choice. That could be part of an overall disregard for driving safely. The logbooks might also show that the driver was actually someplace other than their “rest spot.” All of these reasons help establish that a truck driver’s actions with their logbooks can directly impact how they operate.
In other words, if they’re negligent with maintaining records, they’re also negligent with how they drive.
Legal Remedies for Victims of Fatigued Driving
When a truck driver ignores hours-of-service regulations or falsifies logbook records, the consequences can extend far beyond traffic violations. A drowsy truck driver who causes an accident can upend a person’s life in a flash. If that describes the situation you’re currently facing, Edwards Law Office wants to hear from you.
One of the most important aspects of a truck accident claim is to prove negligence.
Our investigating teams consider all available data, including Electronic Logging Device data, fuel receipts, dispatch records, GPS tracking information, toll records, and maintenance logs.
Those can all help establish a pattern of neglect and recklessness that makes the truck driver the clear at-fault party. You might have trouble accessing that kind of evidence, but our team won’t.
We help clients who have suffered because of truck accidents recover compensation for emergency medical treatment, future healthcare expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost wages. In many cases, we also find that the trucking company played a role in creating conditions that led to the accident.
Everyone should be held accountable.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident involving fatigued driving, reach out to Edwards Law Office, P.C., today to schedule a free consultation.
It’s time to find out what your legal options are for getting your life back on track.