FMCSA Issues Two Final Rules and Several Proposed Rules
- NECS
- May 29
- 2 min read
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued two final rules effective May 30, 2025 as well as 18 proposed rules with comment periods open until July 29, 2025.
Final Rules:
Civil Penalties Schedule Update - FMCSA amends the civil penalty rule 49 CFR part 386, Appendix B (a)(1) by removing the redundant reference to Part 40 (DOT D&A testing rules) from the recordkeeping violations and clarifying D&A regulations are enforced under Part 382 (which incorporates Part 40). This is a technical change. Safety requirements and penalties (up to $1,584 per day, maximum $15,846 per violation) remain unchanged.
Motor Carrier Routing Regulations - FMCSA repeals for-hire motor carrier routing regulations concerning servicing municipalities and unincorporated communities. These rules were deemed to exceed FMCSA's authority. This rule improves routing flexibility.
Proposed Rules:
Revised Guidance re: Medical Treatment and the Definition of an Accident - Rule would amend the definition of "medical treatment" for accident reporting to exclude diagnostic testing such as x-rays and CT scans but would include prescribed medications.
Commercial Driver’s License Standards; Requirements and Penalties: Applicability to the Exception for Certain Military Personnel - FMCSA proposes to amend the FMCSRs to allow dual-status military technicians to qualify for the exception for certain military personnel from commercial driver license (CDL) standards.
Driver Vehicle Examination Report Disposition - FMCSA proposes to revise the requirement that motor carriers and intermodal equipment providers sign and return a completed roadside inspection form to the issuing State agency.
Electronic Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports - FMCSA proposes to clarify the requirement to complete a Daily Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR). The DVIR may already be completed electronically, however this NPRM proposes explicit language to make this clear. This will encourage motor carriers and drivers to utilize electronic, cost-saving methods when completing DVIRs.
Rescinding the Requirement for Electronic Logging Device Operator’s Manual Located in Commercial Motor Vehicles - FMCSA proposes to rescind the in-vehicle electronic logging device (ELD) operator’s manual requirement for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).
Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation: FMCSA proposes several exceptions, amendments, removals, and revisions to regulations related to Parts and Accessories for motor vehicles.
Qualification of Drivers; Vision Standards Grandfathering Provision - FMCSA proposes to amend the FMCSRs to remove the grandfathering provision under the physical qualifications standards for interstate drivers operating under the previously administered vision waiver study program, as this regulation is now obsolete.
Exception for Railroad Grade Crossing Equipped with Active Warning Device Not in Activated State - FMCSA proposes to amend the regulations related to driving a CMV at railroad grade crossings.
Removal of Obsolete References to "Water Carriers" - FMCSA proposes to remove all obsolete references to “water carriers” in the FMCSA regulations (FMCSRs).
Removal of Self-Reporting Requirement - FMCSA proposes to revise its regulations requiring commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders to self-report motor vehicle violations to their State of domicile.
