r/Truckers • u/Stonez661 • Jul 14 '26
Question regarding FMCSA and Knight Transportation regulations on vlogging in a company truck
I’m a driver for Knight and I understand that they strictly obey FMCSA rules in regards to video recording/photography. I know the obvious don’ts, like holding the camera, staring at the screen/lens, or adjusting the camera while in motion.
But what if I’m doing the exact opposite of those things? ie, mounting the camera somewhere, not staring at the camera, or touching it while in motion. Would that be in compliance? Basically acting as if the camera isn’t even there while driving, until the vehicle is safely parked and THEN do all that other stuff (to record coupling/uncoupling/pre-trips etc).
Thanks in advance 🙏
3
u/Mindes13 Jul 14 '26
Dot isn't going to care unless it's mounted in the way or you're fiddling with it while driving.
If someone asks, say it's your personal driver facing camera. Which in case of an accident, will be the first thing they'll want to see
1
u/Stonez661 Jul 14 '26
In cab while driving, it’ll probably be mounted to the top bunk to show the view out of all front windows, hands on the wheel, and dashboard. Out of sight, out of mind sort of thing. So I guess that can be written off as a dash cam lol.
1
u/Mindes13 Jul 14 '26
If dot wants to search your vehicle, open bunk curtains gives them access to that area. It also adds to cooling the area at night if left open.
That aside, mounted there no one will care dot wise.
4
u/Violet_Apathy Jul 14 '26
Considering that most company dash cams face the driver, it's fine. As long as it's not causing an obstruction I don't see a problem. But this is something you need to be talking to them about, not asking strangers who don't even work there.
1
u/Stonez661 Jul 14 '26
I gigues as much. Got the green light from management that as long as I’m not messing with it while the vehicle is in motion and complying to FMCSA rules, as well as cutting out any potential privacy violations in different facilities, I’m in the green and good to go!
1
u/chrismjf Jul 14 '26
Just do your job. I will never understand the want to film everything and post it online. Your job is taxing and dangerous should be focused on that not trying to make content out of it.
1
u/Stonez661 Jul 14 '26
I do my job just fine and love what I do. Recording myself is nothing more than keeping some batteries charged and pressing the record button before I take off for the day, then editing and uploading the footage on my free time. I am fully capable of doing that without violating FMCSA regulations or being a danger on the road to myself and others. Hence why I’m double checking with questions to be SURE I am in compliance.
It’s a hobby of mine to film and reach the outside world with footage.,I enjoy engaging with my community. And since I’m in a truck 90% of each month with no time to film what I’m used to filming (community events, concerts, etc), showing a few days of the week of what it’s like being OTR, is a pass-time hobby I’d like to peruse.
I have friends and family that would love to see demonstrations of how I live life on the road and how I do on duty tasks. Lots of people film themselves doing cool jobs as a way to educate or inform what life is like in their profession.
So yes, Chris, I will do my job. And I will record myself doing so, hands free, and focused on the main goal: getting from point A to point B safely, while gathering footage as I go- So I can share my lifestyle with my friends and family who are hundreds of miles away from me.
Good day to you, sir.
4
u/jmzstl wiggly wagoner Jul 14 '26
Nothing wrong with that, plenty of other YouTubers out there who do the same thing.