Regulations for the trucking industry take a step back, as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes a halt.
In a series of recent developments, several key regulations affecting the transportation industry have been delayed or revised by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
One of the most significant changes involves the motor carrier operation of Automated Driving Systems (ADS)-equipped commercial motor vehicles, which was initially scheduled for December 2024. However, this has been postponed, leaving the new date uncertain.
The delay also extends to other rulemakings, such as the implementation of the new entrant safety assurance process, originally planned for June 2025, and the electronic logging device revisions, which were also scheduled for the same month. Additionally, safety fitness procedures, clearinghouse implementation revisions, and unspecified rulemakings have been rescheduled for May 2026.
The FMCSA has also delayed the amendments to the commercial driver's license requirements, which aimed to provide increased flexibility for testing and for drivers after passing the skills test, from June 2025. Similarly, the minimum training requirements for entry-level commercial motor vehicle operators have been postponed from December 2024.
In a move that may impact trailer and semitrailer safety, the NHTSA has delayed until at least January 2026 consideration of a rule that would require side-guard equipment on these vehicles. This decision follows the cancellation of the heavy-truck speed limiter rule by the Trump administration in June.
The broker transparency rule, which was first proposed by the FMCSA in November 2024, has also seen changes. The comment period for the broker transparency NPRM was reopened earlier this year, resulting in an additional 2,000 comments. The rule's implementation has been rescheduled for May 2026. Notably, a second NPRM for broker transparency is expected to be initiated in May 2026, although the name of the individual responsible for this action remains undisclosed.
One of the most contentious rulemakings currently on the agenda is the advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) on side underride guards. This rulemaking has been in the "analyzing comments" status since July 2023.
The delays and revisions in these rulemakings reflect the ongoing efforts to ensure safety and efficiency in the transportation industry, while also addressing the complexities and challenges associated with implementing new regulations. As these developments unfold, stakeholders can expect updates and adjustments to the timelines and details of these rulemakings.
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