Update on Relevant U.S. Regulations
PHMSA Publishes Update on Special Permits
On May 27, 2016, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration
(PHMSA) published updates on special permit applications:
- Delayed Applications
- Actions on Special Permit Applications
- Applications for Modification of Special Permit – Comments are due by June 27, 2016.
PHMSA CFR Corrections to Parts 100 to 177
On May 27, 2016, PHMSA announced corrections in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) parts 100 to 177. The changes made impact the hazardous materials table, special provisions, hazardous materials communications, emergency response information, training requirements and security plans.
FHWA Final Rule on Heavy Vehicle Use Tax
On May 23, 2016, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced a final rule that makes a technical correction to the regulations that govern the enforcement of the Heavy Vehicle Use Tax. The amendments make no substantive changes to FHWA regulations, policies or procedures. The current regulation references a section of the United States Code that was later amended by the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (MAP-21). The rule is effective June 22, 2016.
NHTSA Extends Comment Period for the Safe Deployment and Operation of Automated Vehicle Safety Technologies
On May 18, 2016, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announced it will extend the comment period on planned guidelines for the safe deployment and operation of automated vehicles. The intent of the operational guidance is to encourage innovative and safe deployment of automated vehicle technologies. The comment period has been extended from May 9, 2016, to May 31, 2016.
Update on Exemptions
FMCSA Correction to American Pyrotechnics Association Application for Exemption
On May 16, 2016, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced a correction to its May 9, 2016, announcement concerning a request for comment on the American Pyrotechnics Association’s (APA) requested additions to and deletions from the list of motor carriers previously granted exemptions for the 2015 and 2016 Independence Day fireworks shows. The document published a date of June 8, 2016, but did not include a comment due date. Comments are due by June 8, 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.
Other Items of Interest
FMCSA Announces Availability of its ‘2016 Pocket Guide to Large Truck and Bus Statistics’
On May 13, 2016, FMCSA announced the availability of its “2016 Pocket Guide to Large Truck and Bus Statistics,” an annual publication that contains information on the overall state of the commercial motor vehicle (CMV) industry, safety enforcement activity, large truck and bus crashes, and other data. FMCSA, along with its state and local CMV safety enforcement partners, uses such data in support of its mission to reduce the number and severity of crashes involving large commercial trucks and buses. The pocket guide also serves as a resource for industry stakeholders and others interested in CMV safety regulations and performance data.