Washington State Regulations for Commercial Truck Drivers

July 28, 2025

Commercial truck drivers are responsible for transporting goods across vast distances, often navigating through dense traffic and challenging road conditions. Because of the potential dangers posed by these large vehicles, both Washington State and federal authorities enforce stringent regulations to promote road safety. These rules, including hours-of-service limits, cargo securement requirements, and mandatory drug and alcohol testing, help prevent accidents. However, when violations occur, they can serve as evidence of negligence in truck accident claims.


For truck accident victims in Kent, WA, working with an experienced truck accident lawyer like  is essential. Their knowledge of Washington State’s commercial trucking regulations can help prove negligence and secure compensation for injuries and damages.

Hours-of-Service Limits

Driver fatigue is a leading cause of commercial truck accidents. Truck drivers often face tight deadlines, which may tempt them to drive longer than is legally permitted. To prevent accidents related to fatigue, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes strict hours-of-service (HOS) limits, which are also enforced in Washington State. These rules are designed to ensure drivers are well-rested and alert while on the road.


Key hours-of-service regulations include:


  • 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers are limited to a maximum of 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty.
  • 14-Hour Workday Limit: Drivers cannot be on duty for more than 14 consecutive hours. This includes non-driving activities like loading and unloading cargo.
  • 30-Minute Break Requirement: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after driving for 8 cumulative hours without at least a 30-minute interruption.
  • 60/70-Hour Limit: Drivers are limited to 60 hours of driving in 7 consecutive days, or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days.


Despite these regulations, some drivers may violate hours-of-service rules to meet delivery deadlines, putting others at risk. When a truck driver exceeds these limits and causes an accident, evidence of HOS violations can strengthen a claim of negligence.


A knowledgeable truck accident attorney will review driver log books, trip data, and electronic logging devices (ELDs) to determine whether the driver was in violation of hours-of-service regulations at the time of the accident. Such violations demonstrate that the driver or their employer acted negligently, increasing the likelihood of securing compensation for the victim.

Cargo Securement Rules

Properly securing cargo is essential for maintaining vehicle stability and preventing accidents. Improperly secured loads can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unbalanced or leading to cargo spilling onto the road, endangering other drivers. Washington State follows the FMCSA’s cargo securement standards, which set clear guidelines for ensuring that cargo is safely loaded and tied down.


Key cargo securement rules include:


  • Proper Tie Downs: Cargo must be secured using appropriate devices such as straps, chains, or ropes. The strength and quantity of these securement devices depend on the weight and size of the cargo.
  • Even Distribution: Cargo must be evenly distributed and properly balanced to prevent the truck from tipping over or becoming difficult to control.
  • Regular Inspections: Drivers are required to inspect cargo before the start of a trip and periodically throughout the journey to ensure nothing has come loose.


When cargo is improperly secured, accidents can happen in several ways. The truck may jackknife or roll over due to a load shift, or debris may fall off the vehicle and cause accidents behind it. In such cases, proving that the driver or trucking company violated cargo securement regulations can provide strong evidence of negligence.


An experienced truck injury lawyer can investigate whether improper cargo securement played a role in the accident by examining inspection records, interviewing witnesses, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts. If a violation is discovered, it can greatly enhance the injured party’s case.

Drug and Alcohol Testing Requirements

Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, impaired driving can have devastating consequences. To prevent drug and alcohol use among commercial drivers, Washington State and the FMCSA enforce strict testing requirements. These include:


  • Pre-Employment Testing: Drivers must pass a drug test before being hired to operate a commercial vehicle.
  • Random Testing: Trucking companies are required to conduct random drug and alcohol tests to ensure drivers remain compliant throughout their employment.
  • Post-Accident Testing: Following a serious accident, drivers must undergo drug and alcohol testing if the crash involves a fatality or if the driver is cited for a moving violation that caused injury or significant damage.


Federal regulations set the blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit for commercial drivers at 0.04%, which is stricter than the 0.08% limit for non-commercial drivers. Drivers who exceed this limit or test positive for controlled substances face serious penalties, including the suspension of their commercial driver’s license (CDL).


When a truck driver causes an accident while impaired, the results of their drug or alcohol tests can serve as compelling evidence of negligence. A truck accident attorney can use these test results to hold both the driver and their employer accountable for damages. Furthermore, if a trucking company failed to comply with random testing requirements or knowingly hired a driver with a history of substance abuse, the company can also be held liable for negligence.

How Regulation Violations Can Prove Negligence in Truck Accidents

In truck accident cases, proving negligence is crucial to securing compensation for the victims. Violations of the above regulations offer a clear pathway to establishing that the truck driver or their employer acted irresponsibly. A truck accident attorney can gather evidence of these violations through:



  • Logbooks showing hours-of-service violations.
  • Inspection reports documenting improper cargo securement.
  • Test results indicating drug or alcohol use.


When regulations are violated, it strengthens the case that the driver or trucking company breached their duty of care, leading to the accident and resulting injuries. For victims in Kent, WA, having a skilled truck injury lawyer on their side is essential to proving this negligence and securing rightful compensation.

Leverage Washington’s Trucking Regulations to Strengthen Your Accident Claim

Washington State’s regulations for commercial truck drivers are designed to protect the public and reduce the risks associated with operating large, heavy vehicles. However, when these rules are violated, it can result in serious accidents, causing devastating injuries and even fatalities. Victims of truck accidents in Kent, WA, can rely on a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer from  to help them prove negligence and secure compensation for their losses.


Understanding these regulations is crucial for building a strong case. If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, consulting with an experienced truck injury lawyer will ensure that the trucking company or driver is held accountable for their actions.

Ensure Accountability for Truck Accident Injuries Today

If you've been injured in a truck accident, don't wait to seek legal assistance. Contact , your trusted truck accident attorney in Kent, WA, and get the compensation you deserve.


References:

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations. Available at FMCSA.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Cargo Securement Rules. Available at FMCSA Cargo Securement.

Washington State Department of Transportation. Commercial Vehicle Safety and Compliance. Available at WSDOT.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Drug and Alcohol Testing. Available at FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Testing.

Injured on Property: Kent’s Legal Guide by Floyd Personal Law Group
By jeff December 24, 2025
What Really Happens After a Property Injury If there is one thing I have learned from years of working with injured clients in Kent, it is that the most painful part of a property injury is often what comes after the fall. The shock, the confusion, the embarrassment. People replay the moment over and over, wondering what they did wrong. Most of the time, the answer is nothing. The emotional impact tends to catch people off guard. I hear the same questions constantly. Why do I feel so overwhelmed? Why is the property owner acting like this was my fault? Should I have spoken up sooner? I once represented a woman who fell on a slick ramp behind a retail store. She blamed herself because she was “in a hurry.” But when we reviewed the surveillance footage, it showed employees walking past the spill for nearly an hour before she fell. That is how quickly self-blame can cloud reality. Clients also struggle with symptoms that evolve days later. Pain that spreads Difficulty walking Headaches Loss of sleep Anxiety about returning to the location These are real experiences, and ignoring them only makes things worse. The moment you start doubting your own instincts is the moment the insurance company gains leverage. That is why clarity matters so much in these cases. Understanding Liability and What You Should Do Next Premises liability protects you when unsafe conditions on someone else’s property cause harm. It covers everything from wet floors to broken steps to poor lighting. The standard is simple. Property owners must take reasonable steps to prevent hazards. When they do not, people get hurt. Here is what I look for when assessing a case: Was there a clear, preventable hazard? Did the owner or employees know or should they have known about it? Did their failure to act directly cause your injury? These answers often come from details that people overlook. Maintenance logs. Internal memos. Prior complaints. A witness who saw the hazard hours earlier. These pieces quietly connect the story. If you get injured, your actions in the first few hours matter more than most people realize. This is what I always recommend: Get medical care right away, even if pain feels manageable Report the incident and get a copy of the report Take photos of the hazard, your injuries, and surrounding conditions Ask for names and contact information of witnesses Avoid recorded statements with insurance adjusters Document symptoms as they develop Each of these steps protects your future self. I have seen strong cases collapse because the hazard was cleaned up before anyone captured evidence or because the injured person casually apologized at the scene. These moments may feel harmless, but insurance companies use them strategically. How Compensation Works and When to Call a Lawyer The cost of a property injury is rarely just the initial medical bill. I have seen slips and falls lead to months of physical therapy, lost wages, long term pain, and ongoing stress that clients were not prepared for. People often underestimate the long term financial impact until they are in the middle of it. Here is what compensation may include in Washington: Medical expenses Physical therapy and rehabilitation Lost wages Reduced earning capacity Pain and suffering Long term care costs Washington follows comparative negligence, meaning the insurance company will often try to assign part of the blame to you. You missed a warning sign You were distracted Your shoes were inappropriate These arguments come up constantly, even in cases where the property owner clearly failed to maintain a safe environment. It is why legal representation becomes important earlier than most people think. So when should you contact a lawyer? Your pain is worsening or persistent You are missing work The property owner denies responsibility The insurance company offers a low settlement You feel pressured to settle quickly You are unsure what your claim is worth Reaching out is not about being combative. It is about protecting your rights before the situation becomes more complicated. Why Work With Floyd Law Group in Kent, WA? Over the years, I have represented people who walked into my office feeling overwhelmed and unheard. Many assumed their injuries were not serious enough or believed the insurance company would treat them fairly. What they needed was guidance grounded in real experience, not vague reassurance. At Floyd Law Group, my approach is straightforward. I investigate the facts, not the assumptions I protect clients from insurance tactics I communicate clearly and honestly I focus on long term recovery, not quick settlements Because we work here in Kent, we understand the nuances of local properties, businesses, and community spaces. That local insight helps us see patterns others might miss and build cases with stronger context. Above all, my goal is simple. Make sure you are treated fairly and fully heard. FAQs How long do I have to file a claim in Washington? You generally have three years, but your case is stronger when evidence is collected early. What if no one witnessed my fall? Many strong cases have no witnesses. Evidence like photos, medical records, and past complaints can still support your claim. Can I file a claim if the injury happened at a friend’s house? Yes. Claims are handled through insurance, not your friend personally. Final Thoughts A property injury can shake your confidence as much as your body. Pain, uncertainty, and pressure from insurance companies create a perfect storm that leaves people second guessing everything. I have seen how overwhelming that feels, and I know how quickly circumstances can spiral if you do not protect yourself early. If something about your accident does not sit right with you, trust that feeling. Ask questions. Gather information. And remember, you do not have to navigate this alone. Your health, your future, and your peace of mind matter far more than rushing into a decision you cannot undo later. If you want a meta title, schema markup, or GBP optimized version, I can create that next.
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