Caddy Safety

Federal requirement Before driving, a driver must be satisfied that the vehicle is in safe operating condition. That includes reviewing the last vehicle inspection report and signing it if defects were noted (49 CFR 396.13). At the end of each day's work, drivers must prepare a written driver vehicle inspection report for each vehicle operated when a defect or deficiency that would affect safe operation is discovered or reported. No report is required if none is found (49 CFR 396.11).

Recommended practice Use the same order every time so nothing gets skipped: approach and look for leaks and lean, then engine compartment, cab and gauges, lights, a full walk-around, then a brake check.

• Tires: inflation, cuts, bulges, exposed cords, mismatched duals, objects between duals, tread depth.
• Brakes: air build-up time, leak-down, low-air warning, slack adjusters, hoses and chambers, and a test stop before leaving the lot.
• Lights and reflectors: headlights, turn signals, brake lights, clearance and marker lamps, and conspicuity tape.
• Coupling: fifth-wheel jaws locked around the kingpin, no gap between the upper and lower fifth wheel, locking handle set, release arm secured, glad hands and electrical lines connected and off the deck, and a tug test.

Sources: 49 CFR Part 396, FMCSA. Reviewed October 23, 2026.

Recommended practice A widely taught CDL guideline is at least one second of following distance for every 10 feet of vehicle length at speeds under 40 mph, plus one more second above 40 mph. For a typical 70-foot combination at highway speed that is about eight seconds. Add more for wet roads, darkness, heavy traffic, or a heavy load.

Pick a fixed object, count from when the vehicle ahead passes it until you do, and adjust. If someone fills your gap, ease off and rebuild it rather than closing up.

Varies by state Speed limits are set by states, and some post lower limits for trucks. A posted limit is a maximum for ideal conditions. Curve and ramp advisory speeds may be too fast for a loaded truck with a high center of gravity.

Source: AAMVA Commercial Driver License Manual, section 2 (space management), as adopted by state licensing agencies.

Warning signs include frequent yawning, heavy eyelids, trouble remembering the last few miles, drifting out of the lane, hitting rumble strips, and missing exits or signs.

• Recommended practice Sleep is the only real remedy. Caffeine, cold air, and loud music may briefly mask fatigue but do not remove it.
• Body clock low points, typically late night to early morning and mid-afternoon, raise the risk even when you are within your hours.
• Treat sleep disorders. Untreated obstructive sleep apnea is common among drivers and causes daytime sleepiness. Talk to your medical examiner or physician.
• Some medicines, including some over-the-counter antihistamines and cold remedies, cause drowsiness. Read the labels.

Sources: NHTSA, Drowsy Driving; FMCSA, Hours of Service.

Federal requirement Hours-of-service rules limit driving time for commercial drivers. The full rules, exceptions, and passenger-carrier limits are summarized in Federal Trucking Safety Guidelines.

Recommended practice Plan parking before you need it. Know where you will take your 30-minute break and where you will end your day, with a backup. Being out of hours with no legal parking pushes drivers into unsafe shoulders and ramps.

• Look 12 to 15 seconds ahead. At highway speed that is about a quarter mile.
• Check your mirrors regularly, and before, during, and after every lane change, turn, or merge.
• Keep a space cushion on at least one side so you have somewhere to go.
• Watch for cars lingering in your blind spots, sudden slowdowns, brake lights several vehicles ahead, and drivers on phones.
• Communicate early with signals, lights, and gradual speed changes, so others can predict what you will do.
• Stay calm. Let aggressive drivers go and never retaliate.

Source: AAMVA Commercial Driver License Manual, section 2 (seeing and space management).

Federal requirement CMV drivers may not text while driving (49 CFR 392.80) or use a hand-held mobile phone while driving (49 CFR 392.82). Holding a phone for a call, dialing or answering by pressing more than a single button, or reaching for a phone in a way that takes you out of your seated, belted position all count as hand-held use (49 CFR 390.5). "Driving" includes being temporarily stopped in traffic or at a signal.

Recommended practice Set your route, music, and messages before you roll. Do not eat, read paperwork, or adjust devices in moving traffic, and pull over safely when something needs your attention.

Sources: 49 CFR 392.80, 49 CFR 392.82, 49 CFR 390.5; NHTSA, Distracted Driving.

Federal requirement Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent leaking, spilling, blowing, or falling from the vehicle. The performance criteria, the aggregate working load limit, and the minimum number of tiedowns are in 49 CFR 393.100 to 393.136. Drivers must inspect cargo and securement within the first 50 miles of a trip and re-examine it when their duty status changes, after 3 hours of driving, or after 150 miles, whichever comes first (49 CFR 392.9).

Recommended practice Keep the center of gravity low and centered, block and brace against forward movement, use edge protection on straps, and recheck after hard braking or rough roads.

Sources: 49 CFR 393 Subpart I; 49 CFR 392.9. Reviewed October 23, 2026.

• Slow down early and obey the posted work zone limit. Many states increase fines in work zones.
• Expect sudden stops and queues. Rear-end crashes are a leading crash type in work zones.
• Choose your lane early, keep extra following distance, and stay off your phone.
• Watch for narrowed lanes, temporary barriers, uneven pavement, and equipment entering traffic.

Source: FHWA Work Zone Management Program.

See Weather and Road Conditions for detailed guidance on snow, ice, rain, fog, wind, and mountain grades.

• Avoid backing when you can. Pull through, and choose parking that lets you leave forward.
• Get out and look before backing (often taught as G.O.A.L.). Check for posts, overhangs, people, and vehicles. Look again if you are unsure.
• Back toward the driver's side when possible, so you can see more.
• Back slowly in the lowest reverse gear, use a spotter when available, and agree on hand signals. Stop if you lose sight of your spotter.
• Use your flashers and horn as required by company policy and local rules.

Source: AAMVA Commercial Driver License Manual, basic control and backing.

Federal requirement Motor carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles (49 CFR 396.3). Each CMV must pass a periodic inspection at least once every 12 months (49 CFR 396.17). Defects reported on a driver vehicle inspection report must be repaired or certified as not needing repair before the vehicle is operated again (49 CFR 396.11).

Recommended practice Write defects down clearly, follow up until they are fixed, and do not accept a truck you are not satisfied is safe.

Federal requirement Power units generally must carry a properly rated and filled fire extinguisher, and warning devices for stopped vehicles, typically three bidirectional reflective triangles (49 CFR 393.95). How and when to place them is covered under Highway Hazards.

Recommended practice Also carry a high-visibility vest, a flashlight, gloves, water, weather-appropriate clothing, and a basic first aid kit.

Source: 49 CFR 393.95.

Roads are often most slippery in the first minutes of rain, as oil lifts off the surface. Hydroplaning can happen at speeds as low as 30 mph with standing water and worn or underinflated tires.

Source: AAMVA Commercial Driver License Manual, driving in bad weather; National Weather Service, Turn Around Don't Drown.

• Use low beams and fog lights. High beams reflect back and reduce visibility.
• Slow down gradually and watch your mirrors for traffic approaching from behind.
• If you must stop, get completely off the roadway in a safe place, turn on hazard lights, and do not stop in a travel lane.
• Truck drivers: if visibility is near zero, consider waiting it out in a safe parking area.

Source: AAMVA Commercial Driver License Manual, mountain driving.

• Turn on headlights in rain, snow, and fog, and at dawn and dusk. Many states require headlights whenever wipers are in use. Varies by state
• Keep lights, reflectors, and windows clean.
• Check road and closure information before and during a trip using official state 511 services and DOT traveler information.
• Never drive around a closure barrier. Closed roads are closed for a reason.

Source: FHWA, 511 Traveler Information.

Postpone or stop when official travel advisories say to, when you cannot see far enough to stop in time, when you are losing traction even at low speed, or when wind warnings apply to your vehicle. Find a safe, legal place to wait, such as a truck stop, rest area, or parking lot. Never stop on a shoulder or ramp unless it is an emergency.

Federal requirement CMV drivers must use extreme caution in hazardous conditions such as snow, ice, fog, and rain, reduce speed, and stop driving if conditions become sufficiently dangerous (49 CFR 392.14).

Sources: 49 CFR 392.14; National Weather Service.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), part of the U.S. Department of Transportation, regulates interstate commercial motor vehicle safety. Its regulations are in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations, Parts 350 to 399. Hazardous materials rules from the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration are in 49 CFR Parts 100 to 180. Truck size and weight on federal highways is governed by the Federal Highway Administration in 23 CFR Part 658.

Generally, a vehicle is a CMV under the FMCSRs if it is used in interstate commerce and has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating (or actual weight) of 10,001 pounds or more, is designed to carry more than 8 or 15 passengers depending on use, or carries placarded hazardous materials (49 CFR 390.5).

Sources: FMCSA Regulations; eCFR, 49 CFR Chapter III Subchapter B.

Federal requirement 49 CFR 395.3, summarized:

• 11-hour driving limit: up to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• 14-hour limit: no driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 hours off. Off-duty time does not extend the window, except as allowed under the sleeper berth provision.
• 30-minute break: required after 8 cumulative hours of driving without at least a 30-minute interruption. The break may be off duty, sleeper berth, or on duty not driving.
• 60/70-hour limit: no driving after 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days, or 70 hours in 8 days. A 34-hour or longer off-duty period can restart the count.
• Sleeper berth split: the 10-hour off-duty requirement may be met by splitting time into two periods: one of at least 7 hours in the sleeper berth and the other of at least 2 hours, totaling at least 10 (49 CFR 395.1(g)).
• Adverse driving conditions: unexpected adverse conditions can extend the driving limit and the 14-hour window by up to 2 hours (49 CFR 395.1(b)).

Passenger-carrying drivers have different limits (10 hours driving, 15 hours on duty). Short-haul and other exceptions apply to some operations. Most drivers who must keep records of duty status use an electronic logging device (49 CFR 395 Subpart B).

Sources: 49 CFR 395.3; FMCSA, Hours of Service. Reviewed October 23, 2026.

Federal requirement

• A commercial driver's license is required for vehicles with a GCWR of 26,001 pounds or more where the towed unit is over 10,000 pounds, single vehicles of 26,001 pounds or more, vehicles designed to carry 16 or more people including the driver, and vehicles carrying placarded hazardous materials (49 CFR 383.5 and 383.91). Endorsements are required for some vehicle types and cargo.
• A driver may hold only one license, must notify their employer and licensing state of certain convictions, and is disqualified for serious offenses such as driving under the influence or leaving the scene of a crash (49 CFR Part 383).
• Drivers of CMVs must be medically qualified and carry a valid medical examiner's certificate, generally valid for up to 24 months (49 CFR 391.41 and 391.45).
• Drivers subject to drug and alcohol testing may not drive with an alcohol concentration of 0.04 or more, or within 4 hours after using alcohol (49 CFR Part 382; 49 CFR 392.5).

Sources: 49 CFR Part 383; 49 CFR Part 391; 49 CFR Part 382. Reviewed October 23, 2026.

Federal requirement Pre-trip satisfaction and review of the last inspection report (49 CFR 396.13). Driver vehicle inspection reports (49 CFR 396.11). Systematic maintenance (49 CFR 396.3). An annual periodic inspection (49 CFR 396.17). Before driving, drivers must also be satisfied that the brakes, steering, lights, tires, horn, wipers, mirrors, coupling devices, wheels, and emergency equipment are in good working order (49 CFR 392.7).

Source: 49 CFR Part 396.

Federal requirement Brake system requirements are in 49 CFR 393.40 to 393.55, including antilock brakes on truck tractors manufactured on or after March 1, 1997. Tires may not have fabric exposed, or tread depth below 4/32 inch on steer tires or 2/32 inch on other tires (49 CFR 393.75).

Recommended practice Check air pressure build-up and leak-down at every pre-trip. Watch for out-of-adjustment brakes, and check tire pressure cold with a gauge, not by thumping.

Sources: 49 CFR 393.75; 49 CFR Part 393.

Federal requirement See Load securement under Professional Truck Driver Safety: 49 CFR 393.100 to 393.136 and the in-trip inspection rule in 49 CFR 392.9.

• Federal requirement No driving while the driver's ability or alertness is impaired by fatigue, illness, or any other cause (49 CFR 392.3).
• Federal requirement No texting and no hand-held mobile phone use while driving (49 CFR 392.80 and 392.82).
• Federal requirement Buses carrying passengers, vehicles placarded for many classes of hazardous materials, and hazmat cargo tank vehicles (loaded or empty) must stop between 15 and 50 feet before a railroad grade crossing, with listed exceptions (49 CFR 392.10). No CMV may drive onto a crossing without room to drive completely through it without stopping (49 CFR 392.12).
• Federal requirement Seat belts must be used when the vehicle is equipped with them (49 CFR 392.16).

Source: 49 CFR Part 392. Reviewed October 23, 2026.

Federal requirement Drivers transporting placarded hazardous materials need a CDL with a hazardous materials endorsement, which requires a security threat assessment. They must follow the hazmat driving and parking rules in 49 CFR Part 397, including attendance, smoking, fires, and parking restrictions, and routing rules where they apply. Shippers and carriers must meet the packaging, shipping paper, marking, and placarding requirements in 49 CFR Parts 171 to 180.

Varies by state States and localities may restrict hazmat routes, tunnels, and bridges. Check route designations before you go.

Sources: 49 CFR Part 397; PHMSA.

• Inspections follow the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) North American Standard. Levels range from a full vehicle and driver inspection (Level I) to driver and credentials only (Level III), among others.
• Have your license, medical certificate (where required), records of duty status or ELD data transfer, shipping papers, and vehicle registration ready.
• Federal requirement A vehicle or driver placed out of service may not operate until the out-of-service condition is corrected. Inspection reports must be delivered to the motor carrier, which must certify within 15 days that violations have been corrected (49 CFR 396.9).
• Be courteous and follow the inspector's instructions. If you disagree with a result, you can request a review through FMCSA's DataQs system afterwards.

Sources: CVSA, Inspections; 49 CFR 396.9; FMCSA DataQs.