Texas Semi-Truck Laws

Last Updated on June 27, 2025 by Beltz Law Group

Texas Truck Driving Laws: Ensuring Safety and Preventing Accidents

Beltz Law Group: 214-321-4105

Road accidents involving commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), especially semi-trucks, are a serious and growing concern across the nation, including in Texas. These incidents often result in catastrophic injuries and fatalities. To combat this, a complex web of state and federal regulations governs every aspect of commercial trucking, with the primary goal of ensuring safety for all road users.

For truck drivers operating in Texas, understanding and adhering to these laws is not just a matter of compliance; it’s a matter of public safety and personal liability. Violations can lead to substantial fines, removal from service, and, in cases of negligence leading to injury, significant financial compensation claims. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the key laws that apply to truck drivers in Texas, emphasizing safe driving behavior and vehicle maintenance.

Core Laws Governing Semi-Truck Operations in Texas

Both the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Texas Department of Public Safety (TxDPS) set rigorous standards for commercial truck drivers and carriers.

1. Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements

Operating a semi-truck in Texas requires a specialized Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). Obtaining a CDL involves passing specific knowledge and skills tests, demonstrating proficiency in handling large vehicles. Different classes of CDLs (Class A, B, C) are required depending on the vehicle’s weight and the type of cargo it carries. Regular medical examinations are also mandatory to ensure drivers are physically fit to operate CMVs.

2. Drug and Alcohol Testing

To significantly reduce alcohol and drug-related truck accidents, federal law mandates a comprehensive drug and alcohol testing program for all commercial drivers. Under the Omnibus Transportation Employee Testing Act of 1991, drivers are subject to:

• Pre-employment testing: Before beginning employment.
• Post-accident testing: Following certain accidents.
• Random testing: Unannounced, ongoing tests.
• Reasonable suspicion testing: Based on observed behavior.
• Return-to-duty and follow-up testing: After a violation.

Refusal to submit to a required test results in immediate removal from safety-sensitive functions and can lead to disqualification from commercial driving. Operating a CMV under the influence of drugs or alcohol is strictly prohibited and carries severe penalties.

3. Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations

Driver fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents. To combat this, the FMCSA has established strict Hours of Service (HOS) regulations (49 CFR Part 395) that limit driving time and mandate rest periods. Key provisions for property-carrying drivers include:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• 14-Hour Driving Window: Drivers may not drive after 14 consecutive hours on duty, and this 14-hour period begins after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• 30-Minute Break: A mandatory 30-minute off-duty break is required after 8 cumulative hours of driving time.
• 60/70-Hour Limit: Drivers may not drive after 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days or 70 hours on duty in 8 consecutive days. A driver can restart a new 60/70-hour period after taking at least 34 consecutive hours off duty.
• Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): Most commercial drivers are required to use FMCSA-registered ELDs to accurately record HOS, replacing traditional paper logs. This ensures greater compliance and transparency.

4.

Commercial Truck Maintenance and Inspections

Proper vehicle maintenance is paramount to preventing dangerous mechanical failures. The FMCSA mandates a stringent maintenance and inspection regimen for all commercial vehicles operating on public roads:

• Regular Maintenance: All trucks and their components must be in good working order at all times.
• Periodic Inspections: Commercial vehicles must undergo systematic inspections, maintenance, and lubrication. This includes specific checks on critical components like brakes, tires, lighting, and steering.
• Annual Inspections: Every CMV must pass an annual inspection to ensure it meets minimum safety standards.
• Pre-trip and Post-trip Inspections: Drivers are required to conduct thorough pre-trip inspections before each shift and post-trip inspections at the end of each day, documenting any defects.
• Record Keeping: Motor carriers must maintain detailed records of all maintenance, repairs, and inspections for specified periods, which must be made available to law enforcement upon request.

5. Weight and Size Limits

Texas, like all states, has specific laws governing the maximum weight and dimensions (length, width, height) of commercial vehicles that can legally operate on its roads. These limits are designed to protect infrastructure and ensure safe maneuverability. Overweight or oversized vehicles can cause significant road damage and pose increased accident risks, leading to hefty fines and potential impoundment.

6. Cargo Securement

Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing instability, damage, or even falling onto the roadway. FMCSA regulations (49 CFR Part 393, Subpart I) detail strict rules for how various types of cargo must be secured using tie-downs, bracing, and other methods to prevent movement during normal driving conditions, including emergency braking.

7. Use of Mobile Devices and Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a significant hazard, especially for CMV operators. Texas law generally prohibits texting while driving for all drivers (Texas Transportation Code § 545.4251). However, for commercial drivers, federal regulations (49 CFR § 392.82) are even more stringent:

• Handheld Mobile Phones: CMV drivers are generally prohibited from using a handheld mobile telephone while driving. This includes holding a phone to talk, dialing manually, or reaching for a phone in a way that requires more than a single touch.
• Texting: Sending or reading text messages while driving a CMV is explicitly prohibited.

Violations of these distracted driving laws can result in severe penalties for drivers and carriers, including fines and disqualification.

The Complexity of Trucking Law and Your Rights

The laws and regulations governing commercial drivers and semi-trucks are incredibly complex, stemming from both federal mandates and state-specific statutes. Given that semi-truck drivers frequently cross state borders, staying informed about the laws of each state they operate in is paramount.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a semi-truck accident in Texas, understanding these intricate laws is crucial for determining liability and seeking proper assistance. Accidents involving CMVs often lead to serious injuries and complex legal battles.

Seek Experienced Legal Assistance

The Beltz Law Group has a deep understanding of Texas truck driving laws and the nuances of commercial vehicle accident litigation. If you or someone you know needs legal assistance after a semi-truck accident, it is vital to act quickly to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

Contact us today for a free consultation. Our team is ready to provide the proper assistance you need to navigate these challenging legal waters. Call us at 214-321-4105.