Changes in Illinois trucking rules and regulations.

Changes in speed limit.

It is necessary for the drivers in Illinois truck driving jobs to be familiar with the modifications in speed limit to follow the rules properly. The trucks on rural interstates can drive at maximum speed of 65mph from January 2010. The interstates do no include the outskirts of Cook, DuPage, Kane, Lake, McHenry, and Will Counties. The speed limit remains unchanged for the four-lane divided highways, which do not come under the rural interstate category. There had been a modification in the speed limits for driving in and out of Illinois for the roads of rural interstates and in areas of the 6-county Chicago area.

Laws to enhance safety on roads.

In order to keep the people involved in trucking business safe, the changes had been made to the trucking laws. The trucking law of Illinois prohibits the use of wireless telephones in school speed zone and at highway construction zones. All the legal trucks in the Illinois state will have same size. Its width has been limited to 102 inches.

Laws to control calling and texting

It is against law to do texting while driving in Illinois. The road rules of Illinois allow the truck drivers to read the messages flashed on the permanent communication devices, which are permitted to be installed in their trucks. The truck driver may use hands-free communication devices or voice-based devices if the vehicle is parked or stopped because of traffic. The truck should be off or in neutral position. As per the new law enacted from 1st January 2010, sending or reading messages on the cell phone is not allowed for the truck drivers in Illinois.

How important are changes in trucking laws?

On 1 January 2010, certain changes were made to the road safety rules applied by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). It is essential for the safety of both the truck drivers and the public that every concerned person should be aware about these changes. The major cause of accidents involving trucks in Illinois is exceeding the speed limits. It is important for people associated with trucking industry to follow state as well as federal road rules. There has been a 10% rise in the accidents on the roads of Illinois in past 10 years, especially involving trucks. This shows the risks associated with truck driving jobs in Illinois.