The Public Utilities Commission (PUCO) has revised its rules relative to motor carrier transportation safety. These revised rules now extend PUCO's jurisdiction to regulate vehicle safety to vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,001 to 26,000 pounds that are operating on a not-for-hire basis within the state.

These new regulations were adopted by the state of Ohio so that we may continue to receive federal grant money for the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP). This federal grant program provides financial assistance to states to enforce the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and the Federal Hazardous Materials Regulations in an effort to reduce the number and severity of commercial motor vehicle accidents. In order to receive these funds, Ohio's safety laws must mirror these federal laws.

Active enforcement will not begin until January 1, 2011. Until this date, unless violations are egregious, no forfeitures or monetary penalties will be issued. PUCO and the Ohio State Patrol have been instructed to use inspections as opportunities to educate the driver/carrier.

The following is a summary of the requirements if the GVWR is 10,001 or more:
• Drivers must have a medical certificate (NO CDL IS REQUIRED)
• The truck or van must have company marking on each door
• Fire extinguisher must be accessible and secured
• Annual vehicle inspection
• Vehicle equipment must be in proper working order
• Maintenance records must be maintained
• Must maintain $1 million of insurance when hauling vehicles
• When motor vehicles are hauled there are special requirements for securing the load that must be followed
• A driver qualification file must be maintained - including the application for hire and the medical certificate

Log books must be maintained, unless the vehicle(s) is within 150 miles of the company location no log book needs to be maintained IF
• The driver returns to the work reporting location and is released from work within 12 consecutive hours;
• The driver does not drive more than 11 hours;
• The driver must have at least 10 hours off between 12 hour shifts; and
• The company maintains and retains for a period of 6 months accurate time records.

If my vehicle(s) has a GVWR of 10,001 or more and crosses state lines, what else must be done?
• If the vehicle crosses state lines then the vehicle must have a USDOT number
• The application for a USDOT number will require a safety audit from the PUCO
• Information on obtaining a USDOT number may be found at www.fmcsa.dot.gov

What are the penalties for noncompliance?
• Vehicles and drivers found not to be in compliance can be pulled from service on the spot
• Monetary fines may be issued by PUCO

When does active enforcement begin?
• January 1, 2011