Warning: Laws are subject to change without notice. Submit your questions to www.askthelaw.org<\/a><\/p>\n WE HOPE TO SEE YOU AT GATS IN DALLAS<\/strong><\/p>\n Please join our Ol\u2019 Blue, USA \u201cSafety Center\u201d\u00ae at the Great American Trucking Show (GATS) in Dallas, Texas on August 25, 26 and 27 in booth 23080 and 23084. We are pleased to announce that Lt. Monty Kea and his team from the Texas Highway Patrol will be joining us in Dallas again this year. We hope you will come by and ask a question.<\/p>\n NEW SEATBELT RULE FOR CMV OCCUPANTS<\/strong><\/p>\n FMCSA is publishing a Final Rule and it becomes effective August 8th, that all occupants of a CMV are required to wear seatbelts. Currently, under DOT regulations, only the driver is required to wear a seatbelt. Most states have state laws that cover all the other occupants. But, with this Final Rule being issued, it will now be a DOT violation if all occupants are not belted in.<\/p>\n THREE INSPECTIONS WITHIN EIGHT DAYS<\/strong><\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> I was recently inspected three times in eight days. The first one was in Tennessee, and the other two were in Texas, within about 15 hours and 11 miles of each other! The first two inspections were performed by DOT officers and no violations were found. Texas Highway Patrol performed the third one, and he stated that he had to have probable cause to pull me over, which he said was because he didn\u2019t think I had a muffler (which I did). I told him that I had just been inspected the night before and showed him the report stating no violations. He said he had to write me for something since he pulled me over. He wrote me for 393.60E (obstructed view through windshield) because of my visor. Can you be inspected twice in the same state within 24 hours if no violation was found on the first inspection? Thanks \u2013 James in Virginia<\/p>\n A: Provided by Senior Trooper Monty Dial (Ret.)<\/a>, Texas Highway Patrol, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, Garland, TX: <\/strong> I would hope that DOT Certified Troopers would honor other Troopers\u2019 Roadside Inspections, especially if they are performing the same level of inspection. I know that\u2019s what CVSA strives to accomplish, but it doesn\u2019t always happen that way. I know from time to time, Troopers will do a higher level of inspection (i.e. you had a Level 3 and they are doing a Level 2 or you had a Level 2 and they are doing a Level 1). In that instance, they will do another inspection. You would also expect Troopers within the same state to be on the same page when it comes to DOT violations. That, too, doesn\u2019t always happen. My suggestions would be to read Part 393.60(e) and any interpretations for that subsection and, if after reading it, you feel that the violation did not exist, then you can submit a DATAQ. The motor carrier is the one who needs to file the DATAQ. Now, if you are the driver and the motor carrier, then you can file it. Go to dataqs.fmcsa.dot.gov<\/a> to file your challenge. Be sure and be specific as to why you are challenging the violation. Submit pictures from inside the cab looking outward and from the outside looking inward when filling the DATAQ.<\/p>\n SPREAD-AXLES AND WEIGHT LIMITS IN CA<\/strong><\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> I own a 53\u2019 tri-axle drop deck. The axles have a spread of 72 inches. When I lift the rear axle, the kingpin to the (now) last axle is 40 feet. Now that I am within the legal limit, is a spread of 72 inches legal in California? Also, what is the weight limit on this spread if legal? Thank you \u2013 Robert in Canada<\/p>\n
\nThese interpretations were made on July 14, 2016.<\/span><\/p>\nBrought to you as a public service by Ol\u2019 Blue, USA and 10-4.<\/h4>\n