Don't Let Trucking Industry Myths Send You Off Course

Some common myths circulate through the trucking industry year after year. They sound familiar or reputable because the rumors often contain a hint of truth, but nevertheless aren’t requirements.

Have you been believing some of these commonly misquoted requirements?

AC in CMVs

This time of year, drivers and safety managers often debate whether a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is required to be equipped with air conditioning (AC) that is in working order.

DOT safety regulations do not require that you equip a CMV with AC. You will not find it listed as a required part or accessory in 49 CFR Part 393. Therefore, it’s not a violation if:

• A vehicle is not equipped AC, or
• A vehicle’s AC is not functioning.

However, remember the Occupational Safety and Health Administration’s (OSHA) General Duty Clause (GDC). It requires employers to protect employees from recognized, serious hazards, regardless of whether there is a specific standard addressing that hazard. OSHA often uses the GDC to cite employers for not protecting workers from ergonomic-type hazards, workplace violence, and heat stress. If an incident of a heat-illness is investigated and AC is not present or not functioning, the company could be cited under the GDC.

A spare pair of glasses

Will roadside inspection personnel expect to see an emergency pair of glasses if a driver’s license or medical card indicates corrective lenses are needed?

No, this is another myth that has been around for decades. This myth originates from an obsolete requirement (392.9a) for drivers who wore contact lenses to have spare lenses. The section was removed from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations on November 23, 1994. There has never been a requirement to have two pairs of actual glasses.

Looking for clarification?

If you have a question on the validity of a regulatory rumor you’ve heard, we encourage you to reach out for help from our compliance experts using FleetMentor’s Personal Assistant feature. Our human team of industry experts is always happy to assist.

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