Can Anyone Tell Me If The Knob You Add To The Steering Wheel Is Illegal

Can anyone tell me if the Knob you add to the Steering Wheel is illegal Because I’ve heard like 10 Different Stories that’s it’s illegal and if so why do they sell them in Truck Stops

I really don't know. My company doesn't want them in their trucks.

My suggestion would be to contact the pickiest states DOT you typically travel through and ask. They'll either give you a yay or a nay.

Suicide Knob.

There is nothing I can find in the FMCSA regs - though there may be state regs that prohibit them (without doing any additional research). They are more of a potential safety hazard than a convenience. Back in the days before efficient power steering, it could have been a convenience - but they were also known to snap back and catch your wrist, tangle in a shirtsleeve or otherwise be more of a PITA than they were worth.

I'm going to assumer for safety/liability purposes, most companies are going to prohibit them.

Rick

I don't believe they are. I do believe some companies though do not allow them. I'd start there. Check what the policies are. Or safety.

Susan knows what she doesn't know:

I really don't know. My company doesn't want them in their trucks.

Keith, your first stop is your company - maybe your DM knows. My guess is you are a company driver, so it's their truck.

Yep.. definitely find out if your company allows them, their you still want one and they do allow them, look to the pickiest states you run in for advice.

Food for thought. In the event of a steer tire blowout, they could break your hand just when you need every ounce of control you can muster. My company sees them as unsafe.

They are NOT illegal, however, most companies do not want them bolted to their leather-wrapped steering wheels.

Personally, I never felt I needed one, even running heavy construction equipment.

I know they will rip your thumb off if the wheel spins around with your hands in the wrong place.

I agree with Susan and PackRat, totally unnecessary. I never even thought about that because "why"??????????

I agree with Susan and PackRat, totally unnecessary. I never even thought about that because "why"??????????

“If you are operating a jockey tractor”, that is the “why”.

They are very effective for quick, opposite steering applications. When I’m required to move/spot multiple trailers at stores with limited space, I wish I could clip one of these on the wheel.

NOT for one minute do I advocate them for a road tractor unless the driver has a physical handicap limiting their movement. Unless I’m mistakin’, that is the only time they are permitted.