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Running illegal + accident = jail?

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by born2teez, Sep 25, 2013.

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  1. Sep 25, 2013 #1
    born2teez

    born2teez Bobtail Member

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    I remember reading somewhere on the web (could have been on this site, not sure) that said if you choose to run illegal with respect to your HOS and get in an accident, you're looking at almost guaranteed jail time. Is this true?

    I could imagine in today's world that this could be made to look as bad as a D.U.I. if there was injury or death involved (or a scratch on somebody's Lexus).

    If jail time isn't guaranteed, are we just talking fines?

    Would there be a difference between 5 minutes, 1 hour, 5 hours etc?
     
    born2teez, Sep 25, 2013
    born2teez, Sep 25, 2013
    #1
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  3. Sep 25, 2013 #2
    Mark Kling

    Mark Kling Technology Contributor

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    Out of hours is out of hours. Period.
     
    Mark Kling, Sep 25, 2013
    Mark Kling, Sep 25, 2013
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  4. Sep 25, 2013 #3
    pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    You're looking at jailtime and a nice fine because its a federal offense.Also if you run illegal and just happen to be near the accident or offer your assistance,you can be found guilty because your logs didn't match and you just happen to be there.
     
    pattyj, Sep 25, 2013
    pattyj, Sep 25, 2013
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  5. Sep 25, 2013 #4
    landstar8891

    landstar8891 Road Train Member

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    If a United Flight crashed in middle of a corn field and they found a wallet from a dead guy with a CDL,they would say it was the truck drivers fault...
     
    landstar8891, Sep 25, 2013
    landstar8891, Sep 25, 2013
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  7. Sep 25, 2013 #5
    Tonythetruckerdude

    Tonythetruckerdude Crusty Deer Slayer

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    Illegal is illegal...no bad or worse here. A driver is totally responsible for that decision. A driver knows how his HOS situation is 24/7...or he should know , that is his job. Would there be a difference ...probably , common sense would dictate that but , it's ultimately up to the driver....do I take the chance of running over hrs to deliver , or do I shut down and make a phone call explaining the reason for the delay...I vote for the phone call , mainly because you NEVER know if that accident you're involved in is gonna be a scratch on someones Lexis , or the death of someones family member. Not worth the risk.....at least IMHO.....others mileage may vary however....
     
    Tonythetruckerdude, Sep 25, 2013
    Tonythetruckerdude, Sep 25, 2013
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  8. Sep 25, 2013 #6
    pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    You get in an accident the first thing the DOT will ask is for your logs.One time a lady hit the back of my trl with another company,totaled her van.She admitted it was her fault.She was on the cell and blamed the wind.Anyway the officer asked for my logs anyway.
     
    pattyj, Sep 25, 2013
    pattyj, Sep 25, 2013
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  9. Sep 25, 2013 #7
    landstar8891

    landstar8891 Road Train Member

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    I said it once i will say it again....

    If anyone is using all of thier 11/14 hours and thier 70....

    You are working for the wrong people and are being abused by the slave masters..There is no need to work more than 50 hours tops to make dynamite money and have a good home life..
     
    landstar8891, Sep 25, 2013
    landstar8891, Sep 25, 2013
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  10. Sep 25, 2013 #8
    Tonythetruckerdude

    Tonythetruckerdude Crusty Deer Slayer

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    Exactly..had you been running illegally , you would've been cited...had you been running legal you more than likely would not have been there. That is the way the law would read that.
     
    Tonythetruckerdude, Sep 25, 2013
    Tonythetruckerdude, Sep 25, 2013
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  11. Sep 25, 2013 #9
    pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    A lot of companies are slave masters if they can get away with it.All the driver has to say is no_Once you give them an inch they'll take a mile again and again.
     
    pattyj, Sep 25, 2013
    pattyj, Sep 25, 2013
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  12. Sep 25, 2013 #10
    pattyj

    pattyj Road Train Member

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    It just isn't worth it especially now.DOT is on truckers like flies on #### paper and need revenue money.
     
    pattyj, Sep 25, 2013
    pattyj, Sep 25, 2013
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