Oregon Implements Enhanced Regulations for the Trucking Industry
This new law aims too enhance enforcement for vehicles weighing between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds while aligning state regulations with federal standards under the interstate compact. (Wirestock/Getty Images)
According to a recent report from Oregon’s Governor Tina Kotek, the state is grappling with meaningful issues related to truckers evading weight scales, unlicensed movers of household goods, and rising accident rates in the medium-duty truck category.
The legislation seeks to broaden enforcement measures for trucks within the specified weight range. “Medium-duty vehicles are involved in one out of every four commercial vehicle accidents,” noted Carla Phelps from Oregon’s Department of Transportation during an April session with the Legislature’s Joint Committee on transportation. She highlighted that these incidents have surged by 1.5 times compared to heavier commercial trucks over recent years.
Phelps further explained that as e-commerce continues its upward trajectory, more medium-duty vehicles are hitting the roads—this not only increases crash risks but also adds strain on Oregon’s transportation infrastructure. With stricter qualifications for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) holders making it tougher for those who’ve failed drug or alcohol tests to regain their licenses through federal channels, many drivers end up working for companies operating medium-duty fleets without proper oversight.
Interestingly enough, non-CDL drivers aren’t subjected to mandatory drug testing by the DOT.
The new bill also addresses illegal scale bypassing—a growing concern in Oregon. “Our data indicates that nearly half of these offenders have safety violations leading them out of service,” Phelps stated.
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The previous penalty classification for illegal bypassing was a Class B misdemeanor; though, due to limited judicial resources leading to frequent dismissals without hearings or penalties being enforced, this has become less effective as a deterrent according to Phelps. The updated legislation now reclassifies certain offenses from misdemeanors down to Class A traffic violations akin to driving without valid privileges under state law.
Additionally, individuals cannot offer transport services or advertise moving household goods intrastate unless they hold an appropriate certificate from the state DOT.
“Currently authorized movers face stiff competition from unlicensed operators,” Phelps remarked. “In instances where violations occur outside compliance checks, proving operation has been challenging.” The new rules will empower civil penalties against carriers advertising services without proper licensing.
To deter unauthorized activities effectively and safeguard consumers against unlicensed movers’ practices will see fines increased up to $3,000.
However, not everyone supports this legislative shift. Tyler Van Wormer from Clackamas County expressed concerns about downgrading serious trucking offenses into mere infractions could weaken necessary enforcement tools aimed at ensuring public safety on roads filled with commercial vehicles.
“These aren’t trivial matters; they pose real dangers,” he cautioned.
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