🚛Proposed Rule for Rescinding Trailer Retrofitting Requirements
FMCSA proposes to rescind the requirements for retroreflective sheeting on semitrailers and trailers manufactured prior to December 1, 1993, which is the compliance date for the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's (NHTSA) conspicuity rules applicable to trailer manufacturers. The retrofitting requirements were adopted by the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) on March 31, 1999, and require that motor carriers engaged in interstate commerce install retroreflective tape or reflex reflectors on the sides and rear of semitrailers and trailers that were manufactured prior to December 1, 1993, have an overall width of 2,032 mm (80 inches) or more, and a gross vehicle weight rating of 4,536 kg (10,001 pounds) or more. With the passage of more than 30 years since the NHTSA requirements were implemented, FMCSA believes the vast majority of trailers currently in use on the Nation's highways were manufactured after 1993 so the retrofitting rule is no longer necessary. This proposal would eliminate obsolete regulatory text without compromising safety.
Learn More🚚FMCSA Notice on Leasing Regulations for Motor Carriers
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, FMCSA announces its plan to submit the Information Collection Request (ICR) described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for its review and approval and invites public comment. FMCSA requests approval to renew an ICR titled, "Lease and Interchange of Vehicles." This ICR will enable FMCSA to document the burden associated with the for-hire truck leasing regulations and passenger carrier regulations. These regulations require certain for-hire property carriers and certain for- hire and private passenger carriers to have a formal lease when leasing equipment from other motor carriers.
Learn More🚛Exemption Request for Truck Driver Training Regulations by FMCSA
FMCSA announces that William Cole, Safety Coordinator for the Montana Trucking Association, has requested an exemption from the entry-level driver training (ELDT) regulations requirement that classroom or theory instructors for individuals seeking the hazardous materials (HM) endorsement have at least two years of driving experience of the same or higher class and/or the same endorsement level as the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for which training is to be provided. Mr. Cole believes his knowledge and experience concerning the HM safety regulations and the transportation of such materials on CMVs enable him to provide the theory training for individuals seeking an HM endorsement. FMCSA requests public comment on the applicant's request for an exemption.
Learn More🚚Enforcing English Proficiency for Commercial Truck Drivers
Executive Order 14286 mandates the enforcement of English-language proficiency for commercial drivers to enhance safety on American roadways. It rescinds prior guidance, establishes new compliance measures, and aims to improve working conditions for truck drivers while reinforcing the importance of communication in transportation activities.
Learn More🚚FMCSA Denies Exemption for Entry-Level Driver Training Requirements
FMCSA announces its decision to deny Albert Farley, Jr.'s request for an exemption from the theory and behind-the-wheel (BTW) instructor requirements contained in the entry-level driver training (ELDT) regulations for himself as a prospective training instructor. Mr. Farley sought an exemption from the requirement that instructors have at least two years of driving experience of the same or higher class and/or the same endorsement level as the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) to be operated. This exemption would have allowed Mr. Farley to serve as an ELDT instructor for students seeking Class A CDLs without having the required two years of experience driving Class A CDLs. FMCSA analyzed the application and public comments and determined that granting the exemption would not likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved absent such exemption.
Learn More🚚FMCSA Grants K & L Trucking Exemption for Cargo Securement
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announces its decision to renew K & L Trucking, Inc.'s (K & L, USDOT #193158) application for a limited 5-year exemption to allow the company to secure large metal coils to its trailers using a cargo securement system that differs from that required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). The Agency has determined that granting the exemption would likely achieve a level of safety equivalent to or greater than the level of safety provided by the regulation.
Learn More🚛FMCSA Renews HOS Exemption for McKee Foods Transportation, LLC
FMCSA announces its final decision to renew the exemption granted to McKee Foods Transportation, LLC (MFT), USDOT #1025678, from the hours-of-service (HOS) regulations pertaining to the use of a sleeper berth. The exemption renewal allows MFT team drivers to take the equivalent of 10 consecutive hours off duty by splitting sleeper berth time into two periods totaling 10 hours, provided neither of the two periods is less than two hours. FMCSA has analyzed the exemption application and the public comments and has determined that the exemption, subject to the terms and conditions set forth below, is likely to achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than the level that would be achieved absent such exemption.
Learn More🚚Renewal of Exemptions for Drivers with Seizure Disorders
FMCSA corrects its January 6, 2025, notice requesting comments for 19 individuals to renew exemptions from the Agency's requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) that interstate commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers have no established medical history or clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition which is likely to cause loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a CMV. An individual's name was misspelled, and this notice corrects that error.
Learn More🚚FMCSA Notice on Driver Exemptions for Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
FMCSA announces receipt of applications from 32 individuals from the prohibition in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) against persons with a clinical diagnosis of epilepsy or any other condition that is likely to cause a loss of consciousness or any loss of ability to control a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) to drive in interstate commerce. If granted, the exemptions would enable these individuals who have had one or more seizures and are taking anti- seizure medication to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.
Learn More🚛FMCSA Exempts Drivers with Hearing Impairments from Regulations
FMCSA announces its decision to exempt 10 individuals from the hearing requirement in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce. The exemptions enable these hard of hearing and deaf individuals to operate CMVs in interstate commerce.
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