Examining Oklahoma State Regulations for Truck Drivers

Commercial trucks play a big role in Oklahoma’s economy. They keep things moving throughout the state, whether they’re hauling oil, cattle, or consumer goods. However, all that power and size come with serious responsibilities. That’s why truck drivers and trucking companies must follow strict state and federal rules to help keep our roads safe.

At Biby Law Firm, our Tulsa truck accident lawyers help people who have been injured in serious crashes involving commercial trucks. Many of these collisions happen because someone wasn’t following the rules – either the driver, the trucking company, or both. Let’s take a look at the most important trucking laws in Oklahoma and explain how they can affect your accident claim.

Why are trucking regulations so important?

Commercial truck accidents are different from traditional car accidents. This is because these trucks are bigger, heavier, and more dangerous when something goes wrong. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which means that even a simple mistake can cause devastating injuries or fatalities.

To prevent accidents, truck drivers must follow a mix of federal and state regulations. These laws cover things like:

• How long drivers can stay on the road
• How much weight a truck can carry
• How often trucks need to be inspected
• What training drivers must complete

If someone breaks these rules and causes an accident, they (and their company) can be held legally responsible.

Who regulates trucking in Oklahoma?

Here in Oklahoma, trucking is governed by both federal agencies and state-level authorities.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets national safety rules for commercial trucks and drivers throughout the country. These rules apply to trucks involved in interstate commerce (hauling goods between states).

The Oklahoma Department of Public Safety (DPS) enforces state-specific rules for commercial trucks, especially those that operate within the state only (intrastate).

What are some important Oklahoma trucking regulations?

Let’s take a look at some of the most important regulations that truck drivers and companies in Oklahoma are obligated to follow.

Commercial driver’s license (CDL)

All truckers operating large or heavy vehicles in Oklahoma must have a commercial driver’s license (CDL). There are three main types:

• Class A, for trucks with a trailer over 10,000 pounds (like semi-trucks)
• Class B for single vehicles over 26,001 pounds
• Class C, for smaller commercial vehicles that carry passengers or hazardous materials

To obtain a CDL in Oklahoma, drivers must pass a written test, skills test, and meet medical fitness standards set by the FMCSA.

Hours-of-service (HOS) limits

One of the top causes of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Truckers work long hours with strict deadlines. That’s why both federal and state laws limit how long truck drivers can be on the road. Under FMCSA rules:

• Truckers can drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• They cannot drive more than 14 hours in a single workday.
• Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving.
• They can drive a maximum of 60/70 hours in 7/8 consecutive days.

Electronic logging devices (ELDs) are required in most trucks to record driving time and prevent falsifying records.

Weight and size limits

Oklahoma has specific weight and size rules for commercial trucks:

• Maximum weight: 80,000 pounds (without special permits)
• Maximum height: 13 feet 6 inches
• Maximum width: 8 feet 6 inches
• Maximum length: 59 feet for a single trailer, 81 feet for doubles

Overweight or oversized loads require special permits and may have route restrictions.

It’s important to remember that improperly loaded or overweight trucks can damage roads, reduce braking ability, and lead to rollovers or jackknife accidents.  If not properly loaded, a truck’s cargo can also dislodge and create a dangerous hazard for other motorists on the roadway, particularly at night.

Vehicle maintenance and inspections

In order to stay roadworthy, all commercial vehicles in Oklahoma must be regularly inspected and maintained. This includes checking brakes, tires, lights, steering systems, and emergency equipment. Drivers must complete a daily vehicle inspection report before and after trips. If they find defects, these must be repaired before the truck goes back on the road.

Neglecting maintenance is a common cause of mechanical failure-related crashes. While the cost of actually performing the repairs is undesirable for truckers, the real cost in the form of lost loads and operational revenue while the truck is out of commission leads to many truckers deferring or outright ignoring necessary maintenance.

Drug and alcohol testing

Oklahoma follows federal rules for mandatory drug and alcohol testing of commercial drivers. Testing is required before employment, after an accident, at random, when there is reasonable suspicion, and when returning to duty after a violation. The legal blood alcohol content (BAC) limit for truck drivers is only 0.04%, half the limit for regular drivers.

A failed drug or alcohol test can lead to suspension or loss of a CDL.

Load securement

Federal law requires that all cargo be securely fastened to prevent it from shifting or falling off the truck. This includes using straps, chains, or tarps, securing tools and equipment, and ensuring proper weight distribution.

Falling cargo is extremely dangerous and can cause deadly accidents.

Hazardous materials rules

Trucks transporting hazardous materials must follow special safety and handling rules, including having a hazmat endorsement on the driver’s CDL, using proper placards and labels, and following all routing restrictions.

HazMat vehicles may also need escorts or additional permits, depending on the material being hauled.

How do trucking violations affect my Tulsa truck accident case?

If truck drivers or companies break these laws and someone gets hurt, they should be held responsible. Common trucker violations include:

• Driving too long without rest
• Driving with a suspended or fake CDL
• Overloading the truck
• Skipping inspections or maintenance
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Distracted driving

Just the same, sometimes the trucking company, or the trucker’s employer, violates relevant laws and standards.  Common trucking company violations include:

• Failing to perform background checks on drivers
• Failing to properly train drivers
• Deferring or ignoring maintenance on trucks and trailers
• Scheduling employees for routes, or imposing deadlines, that are impossible for their drivers to meet without violating the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations

If you’re hurt in a truck accident, proving that the driver or company violated a safety rule can strengthen your claim. This is where having an experienced truck accident lawyer on your side becomes essential.

How can your Tulsa truck accident lawyers help with my case?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving a semi-truck or other commercial vehicle, don’t try to handle it alone. Trucking companies and their insurance companies often have teams of lawyers whose job it is to protect their bottom line, not your best interests.

At Biby Law Firm, our Tulsa truck accident lawyers know how to investigate these types of cases. We can:

• Review driver logs and ELD data
• Check all inspection and maintenance records
• Examine crash reports and witness statements
• Work with accident reconstruction experts
• Fight for full compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering

This brief summary is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to Oklahoma’s detailed set of rules that govern truck drivers and their employers. These laws are designed to protect all of us on the road. However, when they’re ignored, the consequence can be deadly. If you or someone you love has been injured in a Tulsa truck accident, don’t wait. We can help you understand your rights, investigate the cause of the crash, and fight for the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. Contact Biby Law Firm for a free consultation today.