The 16 "Essential" DOT Regulations
This following summarizes the FMCSA/DOT regulations pertaining to CDL and commercial vehicle safety. While it is not all-inclusive it acts as a reminder for the freight motor carrier to be sure of essential compliance. This information should not be relied on as a sole source of information on complying with the law. Federal Annotated Code is cited for each summary regulation for reference.
- §382.115: Failing to have an alcohol and/or drug testing program.
- §382.201: Using a driver known to have an alcohol content of 0.04 or greater.
- 382.211: Using a driver who has refused to submit to an alcohol or drug test.
- §382.215: Using a driver known to have tested positive for drugs.
- §382.305: Failing to implement a random drug and/or alcohol testing program.
- §383.3(a)/383.23(a): Knowingly using a driver who does not have a valid CDL.
- §383.37(a): Knowingly allowing an employee to drive with a suspended, revoked, or canceled CDL, or while disqualified.
- §383.51(a): Knowingly allowing a disqualified driver to drive.
- §387.7(a): Operating motor vehicles without having the required financial responsibility coverage.
- §387.7(a): Operating a passenger-carrying vehicle without required financial responsibility coverage.
- §391.15(a): Knowingly using a disqualified driver.
- §391.11(b)(4): Knowingly using a physically unqualified driver.
- §395.8(a): Failing to require drivers to create records of duty status.
- §396.9(c)(2): Allowing out-of-service vehicles to be operated prior to repair.
- 396.11(c): Failing to correct out-of-service defects listed on post-trip inspection reports before the vehicles are operated again.
- §396.17(a): Using commercial motor vehicles that were not periodically inspected.