Update on Relevant U.S. Regulations

FMCSA Requests Comments on Human Factors in CMVs Equipped with ADS and ADAS ICR
On June 23, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requested comments on its Human Factors Considerations in Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) Automated Driving Systems (ADS) and Advanced Driver Assistance Systems (ADAS) information collection request (ICR). It is a driving-simulator study with a series of questionnaires that will evaluate how CMV drivers engage in CMVs equipped with SAE International Level 2 ADAS and Level 3 ADS. Approximately 100 CMV drivers will participate in the study. Comments are due by July 24.

FMCSA Requests Comments on Training Certification for Entry-Level CMV Operators ICR
Also on June 23, FMCSA requested comments on its Training Certification for Entry-Level CMV Operators ICR, which will allow the agency to continue to collect information on registered training providers and entry-level driver training certification information until 2026. Comments are due by July 24.

FMCSA Announces Fees for UCR Plan and Agreement
On June 22, FMCSA announced the annual registration fees that states collect from motor carriers, motor private carriers of property, brokers, freight forwarders and leasing companies for the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Plan and Agreement for the 2024 registration year and subsequent registration years. The rule is effective July 24.

PHMSA Extends Comment Period for Hazardous Materials Transportation Information Collection
On June 21, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) extended the comment period for an information collection pertaining to hazardous materials transportation for which PHMSA intends to request renewal and extension from the Office of Management and Budget. Comments are due by July 21.

FMCSA Issues Clarification of Reissuance Dates
On June 20, FMCSA clarified the reissuance date of guidance published in its guidance portal as of March 3, 2020, and clarified the reissuance dates for guidance posted March 4-June 27, 2020, during the grace period. This clarification is applicable as of June 20.

FMCSA Finalizes Definition of Broker and Bona Fide Agents
On June 16, FMCSA issued final guidance to inform the public and regulated entities about the agency’s interpretation of the definitions of broker and bona fide agents. This updated guidance is applicable as of June 16.

FMCSA Announces Upcoming WOTAB Meeting
On June 12, FMCSA announced a virtual meeting of the Women of Trucking Advisory Board (WOTAB). The meeting will take place on June 29 and will be open to the public. Advance registration is required.

Update on Exemptions

FMCSA Grants Daimler Coaches’ Driver Assistance Camera Exemption
On June 22, FMCSA announced its decision to grant Daimler Coaches North America LLC’s application for a limited five-year exemption to allow its driver assistance camera technology device to extend beyond the current mounting location limits in the lower area of the windshield on Tourrider commercial motorcoaches. The exemption is effective June 27 and ends June 22, 2028.

FMCSA Grants Pi Variables’ Exemption for Use of Pi-Lit Smart Sequential Road Flares
On June 22, FMCSA announced its decision to grant a limited five-year exemption to Pi Variables Inc. to allow pi-lit® smart sequential (LED) road flares to be deployed when CMVs are stopped on the traveled portion of a highway or the shoulder of a highway for any cause other than necessary traffic stops. This exemption is effective June 27 and ends June 27, 2028.

FMCSA Requests Comments on Exemption from Operating Authority Regulations for Providers of Recreational Activities
On June 21, FMCSA requested comments on proposed statutory exemption from its operating authority registration rules for providers of recreational activities. FMCSA also proposed defining recreational activities to clarify the scope of this exemption. Comments are due by Aug. 21.

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.