Federal & Georgia Laws Requiring Pre-Trip Inspections of Tractor-Trailers

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Many Georgia tractor-trailer wrecks are often caused by broken, out-of-repair, or malfunctioning equipment. Examples include brakes that are out-of-adjustment or have leaks in the air brake system, bald or damaged tires, brake lights or turn signals that are not working, an improperly secured load, or a malfunctioning steering system or transmission.

Pre-Trip Inspections

Both federal and Georgia law require tractor-trailer drivers to thoroughly inspect their trucks before driving them. These inspections are called “pre-trip inspections.” When properly performed, a pre-trip inspection should detect broken or malfunctioning equipment, allowing the truck driver and the truck company the opportunity to correct the problem and prevent a potential accident.

When a tractor-trailer accident is caused by defective or malfunctioning equipment, an important part of the accident investigation and lawsuit is determining whether the driver should have found the problem during his pre-trip inspection.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (“FMCSA”) regulation 396.13 and Georgia Department of Public Safety Transportation Rule 1-396.13 both require that:

“Before driving a motor vehicle, the driver shall:

(a) be satisfied that the motor vehicle is in safe operating condition;
(b) Review the last driver vehicle inspection report;
(c) Sign the report, only if defects or deficiencies were noted by the driver who prepared the report, to acknowledge that the driver has reviewed it and that there is a certification that the required repairs have been performed.”

Georgia Law

While federal law doesn’t specify what parts of a tractor-trailer a driver must inspect, Georgia law does. The Georgia Commercial Driver’s License Manual, which drivers with a Georgia commercial driver’s license must follow, requires that the driver perform a thorough pre-trip inspection. There’s not enough space here to list everything that a truck driver must do during the pre-trip inspection, but here are several of the most important parts of the inspection:

  • Check that the steering wheel, gas pedal, gear shift, clutch and brake pedal are all working properly
  • Check engine fluid levels
  • Look for leaks in the engine compartment
  • Make sure that all gauges at normal levels
  • Inspect the components of the steering system
  • Make sure that cargo in the trailer or the rear of the truck is properly secured and tied down
  • Check that the truck’s headlights, turn signals, brake lights, marker lights, hazard lights and reflectors are all working properly
  • Inspect the condition of the wheels, rims and tires
  • Check the adjustment of the brakes
  • Inspect the brake drums or discs, linings and hoses
  • Check the air pressure of the air brakes, if the truck has air brakes

The driver is also required to inspect the Driver Vehicle Inspection Report from the last day the tractor-trailer was driven. If the Driver Vehicle Inspection Report lists any problems or defects, the driver must make sure they have been fixed before driving the tractor-trailer.

Contact Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyers in Georgia

At Ruppersburg Injury & Accident Attorneys, we know the frustration and uncertainty you’re feeling right now. Contact our tractor trailer accident lawyers in Georgia at 706.354.1000 for a free consultation.

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