Washington
Truck Accident Lawyer

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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (Title 49, Parts 350-399) govern all vehicles engaged in interstate traffic. 

There are some situations where a tractor-trailer or other commercial motor vehicle is involved in only intrastate travel. For example, an appliance store in Seattle may own a truck that only makes in-state deliveries. 

The Washington Department of Public Safety has adopted Title 49, Parts 382-384 and 390-399 of the federal regulations. 

The following provisions are an overview of Washington laws that affect trucks operating only in Washington:

Driver Qualification

Washington has adopted Part 391 with some exceptions. For example, intrastate drivers may be at least 18 years of age, instead of 21. Also, as of June 13, 2002, all breath alcohol technicians and medical review officers must report all people holding a Washington state commercial driver's license who have a confirmed positive drug or alcohol test to the Washington Department of Licensing within three business days of the test.

Hours of Service

The Washington State patrol has adopted federal regulations regarding hours of service with certain exceptions for logging, dump truck, and agricultural operations. For example, an intrastate driver who is hauling logs or is driving a dump truck, or a driver who is hauling agricultural products from the point of production on farms, isn't permitted to drive more than 12 hours following 8 consecutive hours off duty.

Parts and Accessories

Washington has adopted Part 393 of the Federal Regulations in its entirety. A backup alert device or rear cross-view mirrors must be mounted on a truck with a cube-style, walk-in cargo box up to 18 feet long.

Crash reports are available from:

Washington State Patrol 
Collision Records Section 
P.O. Box 42628 
Olympia, WA 98504-2628 
(360) 570-5200