Federal Driver Coercion Rule Takes Effect Today

The rule was developed in response to a mandate included in the 2012 MAP-21 transportation funding law. Violators may face a fine of $16,000 per violation or, in extreme cases, loss of operating authority.

The rule specifically notes that coercion can include not only forcing a driver to stay on the road after his or her maximum hours are used, but also commercial driver license regulations, drug and alcohol testing rules and hazardous material regulations.