Operating any type of heavy truck or commercial vehicle means that at some point you're going to have to deal with the Department of Transportation's rules. These regulations apply to virtually all vehicles that are utilized in for-profit enterprises and many that are used in non-profit settings. Such vehicles may include 18-wheelers, box trucks, delivery vans, passenger vans, buses, and even some types of cars. That's why it's a good idea to be fully aware of the following three DOT compliance concerns.

Driver and Vehicle Qualifications

Before you even put a single vehicle operator on the road, you need to be aware of DOT's requirements for running different types of machines. These break down into three different classes, named A, B, and C. Class A and B vehicles are ones that have gross weights exceeding 26,000 pounds, including anything they're towing, with slight variables between the two classes. Class C vehicles are ones below that threshold that either carry 16 or more passengers or any types of hazardous materials. There are many endorsement and restriction subtypes for different vehicles, too.

A driver must have an endorsement on their license that matches the class of vehicle they're operating, else they and their employer will face stiff penalties. One classic example of running afoul of DOT compliance rules is when construction companies use heavy-duty pickups to tow trailers with heavy loads, such as bulldozers. It's a common mistake to think it's no big deal to pull equipment just a mile down the road, but the police will pull you over and nail you for trying to do this.

Restedness

One of the biggest worries DOT has about operators is that they won't be properly rested. Drivers may operate vehicles for up to 11 hours within a 14-hour timeframe, but they must take at least a 30-minute break after 8 straight hours behind the wheel. They also must stop driving once they've hit 60 hours of duty in 7 days or 70 hours of duty in 8 days.

Vehicle Maintenance

Keeping all trucks and cars in proper working order is a major part of DOT compliance. The police have the right to stop vehicles and inspect them at any time, and penalties are stiff and may include taking a vehicle off the road until it's fixed. Detailed maintenance logs are required to be kept for all vehicles for at least the last 12 months.