What Is Difference between Interstate and Intrastate Driving
If you’re new to the world of trucking, you might be wondering what the difference is between interstate and intrastate driving. The answer is actually pretty simple: it all comes down to crossing state lines. If you’re driving within the borders of your home state, that’s considered intrastate driving. Once you cross into another state, however, it becomes interstate driving. In this blog post, we’ll take a closer look at the differences between interstate and intrastate driving so that you can make the best decision for your career.
Interstate Driving
Interstate trucking driving is defined as any commercial trucking operation that crosses state lines. If you’re interested in becoming an interstate driver, you’ll need to obtain a CDL intrastate license from your home state as well as any other states that you plan on doing business in. You’ll also be required to comply with federal regulations set forth by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations cover everything from hours of service to vehicle maintenance and driver qualifications.
One of the biggest benefits of interstate driving is that it offers more opportunities for career growth. Because you’ll have the ability to drive in multiple states, you’ll have a much larger pool of potential employers to choose from. You’ll also have the opportunity to haul loads that are longer distances, which can often lead to higher pay.
Intrastate Driving
Intrastate driving, on the other hand, is defined as any commercial trucking operation that stays within the borders of one state. If you’re interested in becoming an intrastate truck driver, you’ll only need to obtain a CDL license from your home state. You won’t be required to comply with federal regulations set forth by the FMCSA; instead, you’ll only need to adhere to state laws and regulations.
One of the benefits of intrastate driving is that it’s often less complex than interstate driving. Because you won’t need to worry about crossing state lines or complying with federal regulations, you can focus on becoming familiar with the roads and routes within your home state. This can be especially beneficial for intrastate commerce & new truck drivers who are still getting acclimated to life on the road.
Role of Intrastate and Interstate CDL in the Commercial Driving Industry
If you want to become a commercial truck driver, you need to have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL). But did you know that there are actually two different types of CDLs? In this blog post, we’ll discuss the difference between intrastate and interstate CDLs and explain the importance of each one in the commercial driving industry.
What is an Interstate CDL?
An interstate CDL allows a driver to operate a commercial vehicle across state lines. In order to obtain an interstate CDL, drivers must meet all of the requirements of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These requirements include pass a physical examination, pass a knowledge test, and pass a skills test.
What is an Intrastate CDL?
An intrastate CDL only allows a driver to operate a commercial vehicle within the state in which they are licensed. The requirements for an intrastate CDL vary from state to state, but they are generally less stringent than the requirements for an interstate CDL. For example, some states may not require drivers to pass a physical examination or take a skills test in order to obtain an intrastate CDL.
Why are Both Types of CDLs Important?
In order for a driver to operate a commercial vehicle across state lines, they must have an interstate CDL. However, even if a driver only plans on operating their commercial vehicle within their home state, they still need to have an intrastate CDL. This is because each state has its own set of laws and regulations that apply to commercial drivers operating within its borders.
For example, some states have additional restrictions on the types of goods that can be transported by commercial vehicles or the hours that commercial drivers can be on the road. If a driver wants to be able to operate their commercial vehicle in multiple states, they will need to obtain both an interstate CDL and an intrastate CDL for each state in which they plan on operating.
As you can see, both interstate and intrastate CDLs play an important role in the commercial driving industry. Drivers who want to operate their vehicles across state lines need to have an interstate CDL, while drivers who only plan on operating within their home state need to have an intrastate CDL. State laws and regulations vary from state to state, so it’s important for drivers to familiarize themselves with the rules that apply to them before hitting the road.
Commercial drivers are required to have these intrastate CDL or interstate CDL for the trucking industry because there are many insurance companies they may file a claim for a fatal truck accidents and your driver may find accused of having not interstate CDL yet driving in another state. If a truck driver gets into a serious trucking accident in another state, your commercial motor vehicle company can have the penalties.
In some case, at-fault person or an insurance company may refuse to pay your coverage because the intrastate driver was driving in the inter-state zone during the accident. Don’t worry! Our best Houston truck accident lawyer is here to help you!
A Comparison of Federal and Texas Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
If you’re a business owner who transports goods over state lines, then you need to be aware of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). These regulations are put in place by the US Department of Transportation and apply to all commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) that operate in interstate commerce.
However, if your business is based in Texas, then you also need to be aware of the Texas Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (TMCSR). These regulations are promulgated by the Texas Department of Public Safety and they supplement the FMCSRs.
Lets understand both….
An Overview of the FMCSRs
The FMCSRs (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations) are extensive, and they cover everything from vehicle maintenance to hours-of-service requirements. Some of the key areas that businesses need to be aware of include:
• Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance
• Driver Qualifications
• Hours of Service
• Drug and Alcohol Testing
An Overview of the TMCSRs (Texas Motor Carrier Safety Regulations)
The TMCSRs build on the foundation set by the FMCSRs and add additional requirements that businesses need to be aware of. Some of the key areas that businesses need to be aware of include:
• Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance
• Driver Qualifications
• Hours of Service
Please note that the interstate driver (FMCSR hours of service) is 11 hours following 10 consecutive hours off. Likewise for TMCSR drivers, they can drive for maximum 12 hours following 8 consecutive hours off.
Minimum liability insurance Under Texas Motor Carrier Safety Regulations remains between $300,000- $5,000,000 whereas minimum insurance liability for FMCSR ranges from $750,000 to $5,000,000.
Call our truck accident lawyer Houston to know more about interstate vs intrastate.
How to Deal with Interstate Trucking Accidents?
Interstate trucking accidents are a major problem in the United States. In 2016, there were 4,440 large trucks and buses involved in fatal crashes, which was an 8% increase from the year before. If you are involved in an accident with a large truck or bus, there are some important things you should know. Here’s what you need to do:
1. Get medical attention. This is the most important thing you can do. If you are seriously injured, call 911 and go to the hospital. If you are not seriously injured, you should still see a doctor as soon as possible. Many injuries do not appear immediately after an accident, so it is important to get checked out by a medical professional.
2. Gather evidence. If you are able to, take photos of the accident scene and get the contact information for any witnesses. This will be helpful when it comes time to file a claim with your insurance company or file a lawsuit.
3. Contact an attorney. An experienced personal injury attorney will be able to help you navigate the legal process and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
4. Do not give a statement to the other driver’s insurance company. The insurance adjuster may try to get you to give a recorded statement or sign a release of liability. You should not do either of these things without first consulting with an attorney.
5. Do not sign anything without consulting with an attorney. This includes any documents from the other driver’s insurance company or from the trucking company itself.
Your cdl intrastate may get suspended for driving out of state line. Contact Car Wreck Attorney Houston today to protect your right.
Are You Injured? Our Truck Accident Attorney Houston can Help
It is very important to find out whether commercial motor vehicles that cause accident carry interstate CDL or intrastate CDL to claim the compensation. Throughout the years, our lawyers have been helping countless victims getting full and fair compensation following a truck wreck. Call our law firm to request a free case review!