DOT (Department of Transportation) violations refer to infractions or breaches of regulations set by the Department of Transportation, which oversees safety standards and regulations related to transportation in the U.S. These violations are most commonly associated with the trucking and commercial motor vehicle industry, but they also apply to other transportation sectors like railroads, aviation, and public transit.
Hours of Service (HOS) Violations: Commercial drivers are limited in how many hours they can drive consecutively and must take breaks. Violations occur when drivers exceed these limits.
Vehicle Maintenance Violations: Trucks and buses must be maintained to certain safety standards. Violations include operating a vehicle with faulty brakes, tires, or other critical components.
Logbook Violations: Drivers are required to maintain accurate records of their driving hours. Falsifying records or failure to maintain them properly can result in violations.
Driver Qualification Violations: Drivers must meet certain requirements, such as holding a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL), being medically fit to drive, and having completed required training. Failure to comply results in violations.
Weight Violations: Trucks that exceed weight limits can cause damage to infrastructure and increase the risk of accidents. DOT violations occur when vehicles are overloaded.
Drug and Alcohol Violations: Commercial drivers are subject to random drug and alcohol tests. A positive test, refusal to take the test, or operating a vehicle under the influence can lead to serious DOT violations.
Safety Violations: These involve infractions such as failing to secure cargo properly, lack of safety equipment (like seat belts), or operating a vehicle in an unsafe manner.
Hazardous Materials (HazMat) Violations: When transporting hazardous materials, there are stringent rules regarding labeling, packaging, and routing. Any breaches in these regulations result in violations.
Fines: Violations often come with heavy fines, which can vary depending on the severity of the infraction.
Out-of-Service Orders: Serious violations may result in drivers or vehicles being placed out of service, meaning they cannot operate until the violation is corrected.
Impact on Safety Rating: Companies with numerous violations can see their DOT safety rating decrease, affecting their ability to secure business or insurance.
Legal Liability: In the case of an accident involving a violation, the driver or company may face lawsuits or additional penalties.
Companies are subject to periodic DOT audits, and having too many violations can lead to a loss of operating authority.