Regulatory Update – June 6, 2025

June 6, 2025

Update on Relevant U.S. Regulations

FMCSA Requests Comments on NCCDB ICR
On June 6, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)  comments on the National Consumer Complaint Database (NCCDB) information collection request (ICR), which is an online interface allowing consumers, drivers and others to file complaints against unsafe and unscrupulous companies and/or their employees, including shippers, receivers and transportation intermediaries. Comments are due by July 7.

PHMSA Requests Feedback on HMRs for Modification or Repeal
On June 4, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA)  comments on the advance notice of proposed rulemaking requesting feedback on whether to repeal or amend any requirements in the Hazardous Materials Rulemaking Procedures and Program Procedures or the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR). Comments are due by Aug. 4.

UCR Announces Upcoming Board Meeting
On June 2, the Unified Carrier Registration (UCR) Plan  a meeting of the UCR Board of Directors. The meeting will be held on June 12, and  is required.

FMCSA Issues Final Rule Updating the Civil Penalties Schedule
On May 30, FMCSA  a final rule removing the reference to rules under the U.S. Department of Transportation’s “Procedures for Transportation Workplace Drug and Alcohol Testing Program” from the civil penalty schedule in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). The final rule is effective May 30.

FMCSA Issues Final Rule Repealing Motor Carrier Routing Regulations
On May 30, FMCSA  a final rule repealing the for-hire motor carrier routing regulations related to servicing municipalities and unincorporated communities. The final rule is effective May 30.

FMCSA Requests Comments on Changes to the Definition of ‘Medical Treatment’
On May 30, FMCSA  comments on the notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) revising the definition of “medical treatment” for the purpose of accident reporting. Comments are due by July 29.

FMCSA Requests Comments on the Exception for Certain Military Personnel
On May 30, FMCSA  comments on the NPRM allowing dual-status military technicians to qualify for the exception for certain military personnel from commercial driver’s license (CDL) standards. Comments are due by July 29.

FMCSA Requests Comments on Removing the Requirement to Return Inspection Reports
On May 30, FMCSA  comments on the NPRM revising the requirement that motor carriers and intermodal equipment providers sign and return a completed roadside inspection form to the issuing state agency. Through the proposed change, completed forms will only be returned to those states that request them. This action is in response to a petition for rulemaking from CVSA. Comments are due by July 29.

FMCSA Requests Comments on Clarifications to the DVIR Requirement
On May 30, FMCSA  comments on the NPRM clarifying the requirement to complete a Daily Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR). Comments are due by July 29.

FMCSA Requests Comments on Removal of ELD Operator’s Manual Requirement
On May 30, FMCSA  comments on the NPRM rescinding the in-vehicle electronic logging device (ELD) operator’s manual requirement for commercial motor vehicles (CMV). Comments are due by July 29.

FMCSA Requests Comments on Removing the Rear Impact Guard Labeling Requirement
On May 30, FMCSA  comments on the NPRM removing the requirement that the rear impact guard be permanently marked or labeled with a certification from the impact guard manufacturer as required by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration’s applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard. This action is in response to a petition from CVSA. Comments are due by July 29.

FMCSA Requests Comments on Removing the Fuel Tank Overfill Restriction
On May 30, FMCSA  comments on the NPRM removing the requirement in the FMCSRs that a liquid fuel tank manufactured on or after Jan. 1, 1973, be designed and constructed so that it cannot be filled, in a normal filling operation, with a quantity of fuel that exceeds 95% of the tank’s liquid capacity. This proposal is in response to a petition for rulemaking from CVSA. Comments are due by July 29.

FMCSA Requests Comments on License Plate Lamps
On May 30, FMCSA  comments on the NPRM proposing an exception from the lamp and reflective device requirements for license plate lamps on the rear of truck tractors while towing a trailer. Comments are due by July 29.

FMCSA Requests Comments on Liquid-Burning Flares, Issues Correction
On May 30, FMCSA  comments on the NPRM removing references to liquid-burning flares from the warning device requirements in the FMCSRs. On June 5, FMCSA  a correction to the notice of proposed rulemaking removing references to liquid-burning flares from the warning device requirements in the FMCSRs. Comments are still due by July 29.

FMCSA Requests Comments on Retroreflective Sheeting on Semitrailers and Trailers
On May 30, FMCSA  comments on the NPRM rescinding the requirements for retroreflective sheeting on semitrailers and trailers manufactured prior to Dec. 1, 1993. Comments are due by July 29.

FMCSA Requests Comments on Tire Load Markings
On May 30, FMCSA  comments on the NPRM revising the requirements for tires on CMVs to clarify that the FMCSRs do not require tire load restriction markings on their sidewalls. Comments are due by July 29.

FMCSA Requests Comments on Spare Fuses
On May 30, FMCSA  comments on the NRPM removing the requirement for CMVs to be equipped with at least one spare fuse for each type and size of fuse needed for the parts and accessories of the CMV. Comments are due by July 29.

FMCSA Requests Comments on Vision Standards Grandfathering Provision
On May 30, FMCSA  comments on the NPRM removing the grandfathering provision under the physical qualifications standards for interstate drivers operating under the previously administered vision waiver study program. Comments are due by July 29.

FMCSA Requests Comments on Driving a CMV at Railroad Grade Crossings
On May 30, FMCSA  comments on adding an exception from stopping before crossing a railroad track with an active warning device that is not in an activated state. Comments are due by July 29.

FMCSA Requests Comments on Removal of References to ‘Water Carriers’
On May 30, FMCSA  comments on removing references to “water carriers” in the FMCSRs. Comments are due by July 29.

FMCSA Requests Comments on Removal of Self-Reporting Requirement
On May 30, FMCSA  comments on removing the requirements of CDL holders to self-report motor vehicle violations to their state of domicile. Comments are due by July 29.

FMCSA Requests Comments on Adding an Exception to the Prohibition on Gravity and Syphon Feeds
On May 30, FMCSA  comments on the NPRM proposing to add an exception to the prohibition on gravity and syphon feeds for auxiliary pumps with a fuel tank capacity of less than five gallons mounted on the trailer chassis frame or trailer bed, for purposes other than operation of the motor vehicle, that are operational only when the motor vehicle is not in motion. Comments are due by July 29.

FMCSA Requested Comments on Brakes on Portable Conveyors
On May 30, FMCSA  comments on the NPRM adding an exception for portable conveyors used in aggregate industry operations and manufactured before 2010 from the requirements that each CMV be equipped with brakes acting on all wheels, provided certain conditions are satisfied. Comments are due by July 29.

FMCSA Requests Comments on Lease and Interchange of Vehicles ICR
On May 28, FMCSA  comments on the Lease and Interchange of Vehicles ICR, which will enable FMCSA to document the burden associated with the for-hire truck leasing regulations and passenger carrier regulations. Comments are due by July 28.

Update on Exemptions

FMCSA Renews CMV Marking Rules Exemption, Requests Comments
On June 3, FMCSA  its decision to provisionally renew an exemption for Adirondack Transit Lines Inc., Pine Hill-Kingston Bus Corp. and Passenger Bus Corp. from FMCSA’s CMV marking rules under certain circumstances involving exchange or interchange of equipment and/or drivers. The provisional exemption is effective from May 28, 2025, through Nov. 28, 2025. Comments are due by July 3.

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