Update on Relevant U.S. Regulations
FMCSA Rescinds FMVSS Compliance Label Proposal
On December 30, 2015, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued a notice of withdrawal, rescinding the agency’s June 17, 2015 Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) that called for all commercial motor vehicles (CMV) to display a label indicating compliance with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSSs) in effect as of the date of manufacture.
PHMSA Withdraws Wetlines NPRM
On December 30, 2015, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) issued a notice of withdrawal, rescinding the agency’s January 27, 2011 Wetlines NPRM.
PHMSA Publishes Updates on Special Permits
On December 29, 2015, PHMSA published updates on Special Permit Applications.
- List of Applications for Special Permits – Comments due January 28, 2016
- List of Applications for Modification of Special Permits – Comments due January 13, 2016
- Notice of Actions on Special Permit Applications
- List of Applications Delayed More Than 180 Days
FMCSA Announces Beyond Compliance Listening Session
On December 24, 2015, FMCSA issued a notice announcing two public listening sessions intended to gather input on the potential benefits and feasibility of a voluntary compliance program and ways to credit carriers and drivers who initiate and establish programs that promote safety beyond the standards established in FMCSA regulations. The sessions will be held January 12, 2016 and January 31, 2016. FMCSA will post specific information on how to participate at www.fmcsa.dot.gov in advance of the listening sessions.
Update on Exemptions
FMCSA Seeking Comment on CRST CLP Exemption Request
On January 5, 2016, FMCSA issued a notice and request for comments on an exemption request from CRST. CRST is seeking an exemption from the requirement in 49 CFR 383.25(a)(1) that requires a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holder to always be accompanied by a commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder, once the CLP holder has successfully passed an approved CDL skills test but has not yet made it to their home state to get their CDL issued. Comments are due February 4, 2016.
CVSA Active Exemption Tracker
CVSA maintains a list of active exemptions issued by FMCSA. Members can access the document by logging into their CVSA member account and clicking on the ‘Exemptions Tracker’ tab at the top of the page.