July 14, 2025 | Truck Accidents
The trucking industry continues to evolve as new rules and safety measures are introduced at both the federal and state levels. In 2025, several key regulations have gone into effect that could impact commercial drivers, fleet owners, and logistics companies across the country, including right here in Georgia.
Knowing about the latest updates is important if you want to avoid penalties and reduce the risk of liability in case of a truck accident. Below is a breakdown of what you need to know about the 2025 trucking regulations.
Federal Trucking Regulations: What’s New in 2025?
The FMCSA has introduced several changes in 2025 to ease regulatory pressure and give drivers more autonomy, while still promoting safety. These updates include:
- Regulatory relief and reduced red tape: FMCSA has rolled back over 1,800 words from its rules and eliminated nearly 25,000 unnecessary violations in 2024. These actions are helping save the industry millions by clearing out outdated requirements.
- Speed limiter mandate withdrawn: A proposed rule requiring speed-limiting devices on heavy trucks has been dropped. FMCSA and NHTSA agreed that the rule lacked a clear safety benefit and instead focused on trusting professional drivers.
- ELD rule stays unchanged: Owners of trucks built before the year 2000 will still be exempt from mandatory electronic logging devices as per the current exemption policy.
- Action against unlawful brokering: The agency is renewing efforts to shut down unfair double-brokering, which exploits drivers and destabilizes the industry.
- Hours-of-service pilot programs: FMCSA is experimenting with flexible scheduling options. The first test lets drivers split their mandatory 10-hour rest break into combinations like 6 and 4 hours. Another pilot allows drivers to pause their 14-hour duty window with breaks lasting from 30 minutes to three hours.
- Digital tools modernized: A revamped, mobile-friendly FMCSA Driver Resource Hub provides clear guidance, up-to-date regulation changes, and easier access to compliance information.
These updates aim to balance the need for safety with mitigation of regulatory burdens, giving drivers more flexibility without compromising oversight.
Georgia Trucking Laws and Requirements
In addition to federal rules, the State of Georgia enforces its own set of trucking laws. Some of these laws align with federal policy, but others are unique to the state. Here’s what Georgia-based carriers and drivers need to pay attention to in 2025:
- State licensing and intrastate operating authority: Any trucking company that operates only within Georgia must still register with the Georgia Department of Public Safety (DPS). Proof of insurance, safety audits, and other documents may be required.
- Georgia weight limits and road restrictions: Georgia law limits single-axle weight to 20,340 pounds and tandem-axle weight to 34,000 pounds unless special permits are issued. Certain roads may also have local restrictions that apply to commercial trucks.
- Enforcement through weigh stations and mobile units: Georgia continues to use a mix of stationary and mobile inspection units to enforce safety laws. If you’re flagged for inspection, you must comply or risk further penalties.
- Hands-free driving laws: Georgia enforces a strict hands-free law for all drivers, including those behind the wheel of a commercial truck. Holding or touching a phone while driving could lead to fines and license points.
These rules can apply to both interstate and intrastate truckers (at least those that pass through Georgia state lines).
Contact our Truck Accident Lawyers at Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC for Legal Help With Your Case
Regardless of whether you’re a commercial driver or manage a fleet, staying compliant with trucking laws is a must in 2025. If you’ve been in a truck-related crash or are facing legal issues tied to compliance, consider setting up a free consultation with an attorney who understands the law.
A single mistake can cost more than just a fine; it can put your entire career or business at risk.
If you suffered serious injuries after a truck accident in Atlanta, Georgia we are here for you. If you’d like to schedule a free case consultation with an experienced Atlanta personal injury attorney from Goldstein Hayes & Lina, LLC, please don’t hesitate to call (404) 869-8600, or you can visit our office:
Goldstein Hayes & Lina Accident Lawyers
3060 Peachtree Rd NW UNIT 1000,
Atlanta, GA 30305
(404) 869-8600