Update on Relevant U.S. Regulations

FMCSA Requests Comments on National Consumer Complaint Database ICR
On Jan. 3, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requested comments on the National Consumer Complaint Database information collection request (ICR), in which FMCSA describes the process of modernizing the complaint program and system, in addition to expanding the program. Comments are due by March 4.

FMCSA Publishes Extension of Compliance Date for the Broker and Freight Forwarder Financial Responsibility Final Rule
On Dec. 31, 2024, FMCSA published an extension of the compliance date for the Broker and Freight Forwarder Financial Responsibility final rule. The new compliance date for certain provisions is Jan. 16, 2026. This rule is effective Dec. 31, 2024.

U.S. DOT Publishes Final Rule Revising Civil Penalty Amounts
On Dec. 30, 2024, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) published a final rule providing the statutorily prescribed 2025 adjustment to civil penalty amounts that may be imposed for violations of certain U.S. DOT regulations. This rule is effective Dec. 30, 2024.

FMCSA Requests Comments on Road Test Requirement ICR
On Dec. 23, 2024, FMCSA requested comments on the Road Test Requirement ICR, which estimates the information burden incurred by motor carriers associated with the road test requirements in two circumstances. Comments are due by Jan. 22.

FMCSA Requests Comments on Driver Qualification Files ICR
On Dec. 23, 2024, FMCSA requested comments on the Driver Qualification Files ICR, which estimates the burden commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers and motor carriers incur to comply with the reporting and recordkeeping tasks required for motor carriers to maintain driver qualification files. Comments are due by Feb. 21.

Update on Exemptions

FMCSA Requests Comments on Hawaii Exemption Application
On Dec. 30, 2024, FMCSA requested comments on an application for exemption from the state of Hawaii that requests an exemption from specified portions of the commercial driver’s license (CDL) skills test and entry-level driver training (ELDT) curriculum requirements, in additional to an exemption from certain portions of the ELDT curriculum requirements for providers of behind-the-wheel public road training on the islands of Lanai and Molokai. Comments are due by Jan. 29.

FMCSA Denies Exemption Application from Waymo LLC and Aurora Operations Inc.
On Dec. 27, 2024, FMCSA denied an application from Waymo LLC and Aurora Operations Inc. that requested an exemption from certain Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations related to requirements to place specific types of warning devices at prescribed locations around CMVs stopped on the traveled portion or shoulder of a highway for any cause other than necessary traffic stops and requirements that lamps on CMVs be steady burning.

FMCSA Requests Comments on APTA Exemption Application
On Dec. 26, 2024, FMCSA requested comments on an application for an exemption from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), on behalf of public transit agencies and their contractor partners, to allow state driver licensing agencies to waive the “under-the-hood” portion of the pre-trip vehicle inspection skills test requirement for CDL applicants seeking to operate vehicles in public transportation, including interstate commerce. Comments are due by Jan. 27.

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