When are wheel chocks required?

Wheel chock requirements can fall under both FMCSA and OSHA, depending on the situation. Which agency applies comes down to the type of vehicle involved, how it’s being used, and whether employees are exposed to movement hazards.

From the FMCSA side, most commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) manufactured since March 1990 are required to have parking brake systems capable of holding the vehicle under any loading condition (Section 393.41(a)). Due to that requirement, FMCSA generally doesn’t require wheel chocks for most CMVs. There are exceptions, though. Agricultural commodity trailers, converter dollies, heavy haulers, and pulpwood trailers must carry and use wheel chocks or blocks when parked. FMCSA also requires trailer brakes to automatically apply and hold for at least 15 minutes if a trailer separates from the tractor (Section 393.43(d)).

From the OSHA side, the focus shifts to employee exposure not highway parking. OSHA is concerned with protecting employees from unexpected vehicle or trailer movement during work activities, especially loading and unloading. OSHA’s powered industrial truck standard requires that brakes be set and wheel chocks or blocks be used to prevent movement of trucks, trailers, or railcars during loading and unloading (1910.178(k)(1) and 1910.178(m)(7)), unless another form of positive restraint provides equivalent protection.

OSHA clarified back in 2001 that it generally will not cite those wheel‑chocking provisions for commercial motor vehicles operating under FMCSA jurisdiction. That exemption, however, is narrow and OSHA still applies when:

• The vehicle is not a commercial motor vehicle
• The CMV is not operating in interstate commerce
• The vehicle is operating entirely on private property, such as at a manufacturing plant, warehouse, or distribution center

In those cases, employers remain fully responsible under OSHA to protect employees from the hazard of unexpected vehicle or trailer movement.

OSHA allows flexibility in how that protection is provided. Wheel chocks are one option, but OSHA also allows dock‑locking or vehicle‑restraint systems as long as they are properly installed, maintained, and actually prevent movement (see OSHA Instruction STD 01‑11‑007).