Warning: Laws are subject to change without notice. SPREAD AXLE LAWS IN CALIFORNIA<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> Can you have a 10\u2019-1\u201d spread on the trailer in California or do you have to run a closed tandem axle?\u00a0 Thank you \u2013 Rick in Ontario, Canada<\/p>\n A:<\/strong> Provided by Officer James Portilla<\/a>, California Highway Patrol, Commercial Vehicle Section, Sacramento, California: <\/strong>You would not need to run with a closed tandem.\u00a0 A 10\u2019-1\u201d spread axle is legal in California.\u00a0 The maximum weight allowed for a 10\u2019-1\u201d tandem would be 40,000 lbs.<\/p>\n INTERRUPTING A 10-HOUR BREAK<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> I run the same route three times a week.\u00a0 My boss wants me to call on those days to let him know I will be at work.\u00a0 Can he make me call while I\u2019m on my 10-hour break?\u00a0 Thanks \u2013 Garry in Texas<\/p>\n A: Provided by Senior Trooper Monty Dial (Ret.)<\/a>, Texas Highway Patrol, Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division, Garland, Texas: <\/strong>A lot is going to depend on what type of answer you want to hear.\u00a0 There is an interpretation (Question #30) found in Part 395.3 that deals with drivers having to constantly respond to satellite or similar communications while taking their rest break.\u00a0 The interpretation states that a driver has to be \u201con-duty not driving\u201d to respond to those messages.\u00a0 There are also two other interpretations (Question #5 & #6) that deal with a driver having to contact or carry a pager\/beeper to be able to contact the motor carrier during their rest break.\u00a0 Neither of these interpretations state that it breaks the driver\u2019s rest period.\u00a0 Another way to look at the answer is from the eyes of the motor carrier.\u00a0 You do not make a run everyday and the motor carrier has a load that needs to be delivered.\u00a0 All they are asking is for you to make a telephone call to let them know if you are going to be able to make the run.\u00a0 If you cannot, then they need enough time to locate another driver to take your scheduled run.\u00a0 So, taking a minute or less to call the motor carrier would not interrupt your ability to obtain the required rest.<\/p>\n CONFLICTING SIGNALS AT A SCALE<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> If an approaching scale has signs indicating that it is closed but my in-cab PrePass\u00ae unit provides a red stop signal anyway, should I stop at the scale or just drive on by?\u00a0 Thanks \u2013 Monty in Ohio<\/p>\n A: Provided by Jim Brokaw<\/a>, formerly a Staff Sergeant with Nebraska State Patrol, Carrier Enforcement Div, Lincoln, NB: <\/strong>The instructions for PrePass\u00ae say you are to follow the in-cab indication from your transponder, however, remember it is a system to legally bypass an open scale.\u00a0 If the highway signs are indicating the scale is closed, there isn\u2019t a legal requirement for anyone to stop, so any indication from your transponder at this point is irrelevant.\u00a0 What probably happened is that when the officers closed their scale, they forgot to switch their PrePass\u00ae system to closed.\u00a0 You can find more information about PrePass\u00ae on their website at www.prepass.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n BEHIND THE WHEEL WITH A PERMIT<\/span><\/strong><\/p>\n Q:<\/strong> My CDL was suspended for three years because of a speeding ticket that I did not pay.\u00a0 I had to take all of the tests (both written and driving) all over again.\u00a0 I now have my CDL permit.\u00a0 Should my instructor (a CDL driver) log this as \u201con-duty not driving\u201d or can he log in the sleeper?\u00a0 Thank you \u2013 Jerry in California<\/p>\n
\nThese interpretations were made on January 12, 2011<\/span><\/p>\nBrought to you as a public service by Ol\u2019 Blue, USA and 10-4.
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