Update on Relevant Canadian Regulations

Transport Canada Proposes Amendments to Part 6 of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations
On Dec. 13, 2021, Transport Canada announced proposed amendments to the training requirements in part 6 of the Transportation of Dangerous Goods Regulations. The proposed amendments would introduce a competency-based approach to training and assessment, incorporate by reference the new training standard developed under the guidance of the Canadian General Standards Board and align training requirements with a series of international codes.

Update on Relevant U.S. Regulations

FMCSA Requests Comments on Apprenticeship Pilot Program ICR
On Jan. 7, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published a notice and request for comments on an information collection request (ICR) on an under-21 interstate driver apprenticeship pilot program. The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act requires FMCSA to conduct a pilot program to evaluate the potential of allowing individuals ages 18-20 to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce by completing an apprenticeship program. The ICR would allow FMCSA to collect the necessary data from pilot program participants to evaluate the safety impacts of the pilot. Comments are due by Jan. 12.

U.S. DOT Requests Comments on Research, Development and Technology Strategic Plan
On Dec. 30, 2021, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) published a notice and request for comments on the administration’s research, development and technology strategic plan for fiscal 2022-2026. The plan is intended to guide U.S. DOT’s research vision, strategic goals and priorities, and how research programs can advance transportation systems. Comments are due by Jan. 31.

NHTSA Requests Comments on ADS Incident Reporting ICR
On Dec. 29, 2021, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published a notice and request for comments on the renewal of an ICR that allows the agency to collect information on incidents related to automated driving systems (ADS) and Level 2 advanced driver assistance systems. Comments are due by Jan. 28.

NHTSA Publishes Final Rule on Bus Rollover Structural Integrity
Also on Dec. 29, 2021, NHTSA published a final rule that establishes Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 227, “Bus rollover structural integrity.” The new FMVSS is intended to enhance the rollover structural integrity of over-the-road buses and other buses with a gross vehicle weight rating greater than 26,000 pounds. The final rule is effective Dec. 30, 2024. Petitions for reconsideration are due by Feb. 14.

Update on Exemptions

CVSA Active Exemption Tracker
CVSA maintains a list of active exemptions issued by FMCSA. The exemption tracker can be found at cvsa.org under the “Inspections” tab at the top of the page.