1910.178(n): Traveling Safely with Powered Industrial Trucks
Operators of powered industrial trucks must obey traffic rules and speed limits, keep about three truck lengths behind the truck ahead, stay in control, yield to emergency vehicles, and not pass at intersections or blind spots. They must slow down and sound the horn where vision is blocked, travel with the load trailing if it blocks the view, cross tracks diagonally, handle grades with care, avoid horseplay and secure dockboards before driving over them.
Key takeaways
- 1910.178(n) is part of OSHA's general industry standards (29 CFR Part 1910, Subpart N).
- OSHA cited it 242 times in the last 3 years, in 213 inspections, with $1,493,410 in current penalties.
- 12 deaths are linked to inspections that cited this rule.
- Most citations: NJ (35), OH (22), FL (17).
- Related part: 1910.178(n)(6) (95 citations).
- Free 5-minute toolbox talk for your crew below.
In this article
What this rule covers
29 CFR 1910.178(n) ("Traveling") is one requirement inside 1910.178 Powered industrial trucks, an OSHA general industry standard (Part 1910, Subpart N). It includes 18 sub-paragraphs. The official text below is copied word for word from the Electronic Code of Federal Regulations (eCFR). The numbers, injury cases and training on this page show how OSHA enforces it on real job sites.
Official text
(n) Traveling. 242 citations
(1) All traffic regulations shall be observed, including authorized plant speed limits. A safe distance shall be maintained approximately three truck lengths from the truck ahead, and the truck shall be kept under control at all times. Open (n)(1) 26 citations
(2) The right of way shall be yielded to ambulances, fire trucks, or other vehicles in emergency situations.
(3) Other trucks traveling in the same direction at intersections, blind spots, or other dangerous locations shall not be passed. 1 citations
(4) The driver shall be required to slow down and sound the horn at cross aisles and other locations where vision is obstructed. If the load being carried obstructs forward view, the driver shall be required to travel with the load trailing. Open (n)(4) 76 citations
(5) Railroad tracks shall be crossed diagonally wherever possible. Parking closer than 8 feet from the center of railroad tracks is prohibited.
(6) The driver shall be required to look in the direction of, and keep a clear view of the path of travel. Open (n)(6) 95 citations
(7) Grades shall be ascended or descended slowly. Open (n)(7) 16 citations
(i) When ascending or descending grades in excess of 10 percent, loaded trucks shall be driven with the load upgrade. 1 citations
(ii) [Reserved]
(iii) On all grades the load and load engaging means shall be tilted back if applicable, and raised only as far as necessary to clear the road surface. Open (n)(7)(iii) 14 citations
(8) Under all travel conditions the truck shall be operated at a speed that will permit it to be brought to a stop in a safe manner. Open (n)(8) 12 citations
(9) Stunt driving and horseplay shall not be permitted. 4 citations
(10) The driver shall be required to slow down for wet and slippery floors. 2 citations
(11) Dockboard or bridgeplates, shall be properly secured before they are driven over. Dockboard or bridgeplates shall be driven over carefully and slowly and their rated capacity never exceeded. 3 citations
(12) Elevators shall be approached slowly, and then entered squarely after the elevator car is properly leveled. Once on the elevator, the controls shall be neutralized, power shut off, and the brakes set.
(13) Motorized hand trucks must enter elevator or other confined areas with load end forward.
(14) Running over loose objects on the roadway surface shall be avoided. 4 citations
(15) While negotiating turns, speed shall be reduced to a safe level by means of turning the hand steering wheel in a smooth, sweeping motion. Except when maneuvering at a very low speed, the hand steering wheel shall be turned at a moderate, even rate. Open (n)(15) 3 citations
Source: eCFR, text current as of 2026-10-15. Read all of 1910.178.
Injuries linked to this rule
12 deaths are linked to inspections where OSHA cited 1910.178(n).
At 12:00 a.m. on January 31, 2025, an employee was walking from his tractor, when he was struck by a switcher vehicle being operated by another employee. He was transported to the hospital and admitted for treatment for a broken leg and other unknown injuries.…
Full case list with employer, penalty, filters and download is part of OSHA Data (Purple Belt).
Unlock with Purple BeltWhere and how often it was cited
| Year | Citations |
|---|---|
| 2023 | 12 |
| 2024 | 91 |
| 2025 | 73 |
| 2026 | 66 |
Top states: NJ (35), OH (22), FL (17), VA (15), TX (14)
Largest penalties
| Employer | Location | Penalty for this rule |
|---|---|---|
| THE HOME DEPOT, INC. | VAUXHALL, NJ | $46,090 |
| MAINFREIGHT, INC. | KEARNY, NJ | $32,681 |
| LYNEER STAFFING SOLUTIONS | AVENEL, NJ | $32,262 |
| FSE PROCESSING, LLC | MUSCODA, WI | $22,584 |
| PET FOOD EXPERTS, LLC | CUMBERLAND, RI | $20,257 |
Free toolbox talk
A 5-minute crew talk on 1910.178(n), plus alerts when this rule changes. Free.
OSHA interpretation letters
- Evaluation of what is considered a safe speed to operate powered industrial trucks (forklifts) (2004-11-04)
- Response to request for variance from 1910.178(n)(4). (1986-02-12)
Related parts of this rule
- 1910.178(n)(6) 95 citations
- 1910.178(n)(4) 76 citations
- 1910.178(n)(1) 26 citations
- 1910.178(n)(7) 16 citations
- 1910.178(n)(7)(iii) 14 citations
- 1910.178(n)(8) 12 citations
- 1910.178(n)(15) 3 citations
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Frequently asked questions
How far behind another forklift should I stay?
Approximately three truck lengths from the truck ahead.
What if my load blocks my forward view?
Travel with the load trailing.
How close can I park to railroad tracks?
Parking closer than 8 feet from the center of railroad tracks is prohibited.
About this page
Sources
- 29 CFR 1910.178 (eCFR), text current as of 2026-10-15
- U.S. Department of Labor enforcement data: OSHA inspections, citations and accident records, copied nightly; data as of 2026-10-20
3-year window. Federal OSHA only; state-plan rules are not counted. Plain-language text is a summary, not legal advice; the official text controls. Black Belt Safety is not part of OSHA or the Department of Labor.