Using Flashers when climbing up a grade

Discussion in 'Trucking Industry Regulations' started by Working Class Patriot, Sep 17, 2008.

  1. rockrawlin

    rockrawlin Bobtail Member

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    Sep 5, 2008
    Chico, CA
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    I thought any vehicle moving under 25mph in CA had to use their flashers but it looks like that only applies to implements of husbandry now. (vc 25251.1)
     
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  3. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    Baltimore, MD
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    I heard that once about MD, but I use them anyway. I, like just about any other driver, think that if I'm climbing a hill at 30 mph with traffic passing at 70 mph, I'm a hazard, simply because of the enormous speed differential.
     
  4. alabama grappler

    alabama grappler Bobtail Member

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    Decatur, AL
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    I know California has some different laws... but I don't think it's against the law to use the flashers like that. The flashers are there to signal people behind you and infront of a hazard condition. I would think that cops would be glad, it keeps them from doing paperwork when someone runs into you cause they are not aware of how slow you are going.... lol.
     
  5. MACK E-6

    MACK E-6 Moderator Staff Member

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    It shouldn't be, but in some places I'm sure it probably is.
     
  6. alabama grappler

    alabama grappler Bobtail Member

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    Decatur, AL
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    I wouldn't doubt it.. I haven't been in CA in about 3 yrs... That is plenty of time for CA to make all kinds of new laws to get more money out of the trucker.
     
  7. rjones56

    rjones56 Heavy Load Member

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    Jul 15, 2008
    staunton va
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    Even a stopped clock is right twice a day.lol.
    new york and pennsylvania both have laws for use of flashers below 45 mph.
    I live in virginia,supposedly it is against the law to use the flashers while moving but if I feel it is safer with them on -i use them.Never had a problem-yet.On the other hand if someone can`t see something as big as a truck,I doubt they are going to see the flashers.
     
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  8. Trooper One

    Trooper One <strong>"Full Grown"</strong>

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    NW, Connecticut
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    CT law

    14-220- Slow Speed-

    (b) The operator of any motor vehicle having a gross weight of more than twenty-five thousand pounds shall also employ flashing lights when the vehicle is traveling on a limited access divided highway and maintaining a speed higher than forty miles per hour but lower than the speed of the traffic on the highway due to the gradient.
     
  9. soon2betrucking

    soon2betrucking Road Train Member

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    Philadelphia, Pa
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    first off, id never listen to a swift driver.
    second, i use my flashers all the time,
    and i do it everywhere when im clibing up hills, we are a rd hazord, but i guess your right, if someone cant see our huge trucks, they prob wont even notice the 3inch light flashing either.
    i use them all the time when im running throught construction zones all the time, and if the posted speel limit in the work zone is 55, ill run 55 till i get close to the acutal work site, then ill drope my speed usually down to 45-50, and then turn on my flashers, those guys are out there trying to make a smoother ride for us, and im all about a smoother ride with the air susp, and also when passing an accident, i put my flashers on, slow down, cause at an accident scene it is far more dangerous cause its not organized, and their maybe someone who might freak out cause they just seen a dead body in the car, and take a few steps back right into my lane...
    so, as long as my trucks have 4-ways, ill use them for when i want and how i want, if it makes me feel safer, ill fight the ticket..
     
  10. Truckerjo

    Truckerjo Road Train Member

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    The thing about flashers it does change from state to state.. Don't remember exactly what state it is perhaps Massachusetts(I know its around there somewhere) it is against the law to use them while on the Interstate, they was pulling trucks over for it.. So, it is defiantly is not a universal (DOT) law but a per state law..
     
  11. NealinNevada

    NealinNevada Light Load Member

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    Dec 16, 2007
    One Horse Town, Nevada
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    A broken clock is right twice a day :biggrin_25526:.

    I just found this reference to California law:

    Q: Fact or Fiction: A truck driver can be ticketed for using his/her emergency flashers while climbing a hill in the state of California because emergency flashers are only allowed for the use in an emergency.

    A:Provided by Officer Chris S., California Highway Patrol, Commercial Vehicle Section, Sacramento, California:

    Slow moving vehicles can pose hazards, not only to faster moving traffic but also to themselves. These vehicles can also present an obstruction to the smooth flow of traffic, causing traffic back-ups, particularly on two-lane rural roads. Section 25251(a)(3) of the California Vehicle Code (VC) allows a slow moving vehicle to use its hazard warning lights while on an upgrade.
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Sep 22, 2008
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