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Commercial Motor Vehicle Traffic Enforcement
Answer Key
Introduction Return
1. The most frequently cited causes of CMV crashes are driver error and driver impairment.
2. A study of fatal-to-the-driver heavy truck crashes by the National Transportation Safety Board identified fatigue as the principal cause of driver impairment, followed by impairment by alcohol or substance abuse.
Commercial Driver’s License Return
1. All drivers of CMVs must have a commercial driver’s license if the vehicle they are operating meets one of the following criteria:
A - Combination vehicle with a gross combination vehicle weight rating (GCWR) of 26,001 lbs or more towing a vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of more than 10,000 lbs.
B - Single unit vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 lbs or more, or any such vehicle towing a vehicle not in excess of 10,000 lbs. GCWR.
C - Any vehicle, regardless of weight rating, transporting hazardous material in any amount requiring the display of placards by 49 CFR, part 172, subpart F, or designed to transport 16 or more passengers including the driver.
2. The blood alcohol concentration at or above which a CDL driver is deemed to be driving under the influence is 0.04 percent.
3. What are the CDL disqualifying serious moving violations?
A - Speed in excess of 15 miles per hour over the posted speed limit.
B - Reckless driving.
C - Improper or erratic lane changes.
D - Following too closely.
E - Violation arising in connection with a fatal crash relating to traffic control devices.
4. The success of the Commercial driver’s license Program is dependent upon traffic enforcement officers performing what two basic functions?
A - Verification of CDL status
B - Issuance of a traffic citation to report and record all violations committed by a driver of a CMV.
CMV Law Enforcement Programs
Note: No answers are provided, because these are State-specific.
Judicial Involvement
Note: No answers are provided, because these are State-specific.
Commercial Vehicle Stops and Enforcement Return
1. The primary factors in location selection for a CMV stop are:
A - Officer Safety.
B - Driver/vehicle safety.
C - Safety of other traffic on a roadway.
2. Location of the patrol vehicle during traffic stops is dictated by agency policy and procedure.
3. It is best to interview the driver at the front of the CMV.
4. Why is it more advantageous for the driver to exit the cab and come to the officer, rather than for the officer to stand beside the cab?
Officer establishes control of the situation, can observe the driver exit the cab and walk toward him, allowing any signs of impairment to be observed and officer safety.
5. How should an officer direct and/or assist the CMV driver with a safe return into the traffic stream?
Tell drivers what actions to take, then follow vehicle with emergency lights on for a safe distance.