FMCSA Proposes 18 Rule Changes to Ease Regulatory Burden

FMCSA is proposing 18 regulatory changes aimed at reducing administrative burdens and modernizing compliance standards for drivers and motor carriers. The proposals—published Tuesday and set for official release Friday—will be open for a 60-day public comment period.

Key Proposals:

• End to CDL Self-Reporting
  FMCSA seeks to eliminate the requirement for commercial drivers to self-report motor vehicle violations. With states now exchanging violation data electronically, this step is deemed unnecessary.
• CDL Exemptions for Military Technicians
  Dual-status military technicians in the Reserves or National Guard could become eligible for CDL training exemptions, helping lower training costs and expedite licensing.
• Refining ‘Medical Treatment’ in Accident Reporting
  Clarifies that imaging like x-rays doesn’t count as medical treatment unless followed by further intervention. This could impact how certain crashes are reported.
• Vehicle Inspection Report Changes
  FMCSA wants to scrap the mandate requiring carriers to sign and return roadside inspection forms to states—calling it an "unreasonable burden" when forms go unreviewed.
• Electronic DVIR Clarification
  Proposal seeks to explicitly allow electronic driver vehicle inspection reports, encouraging wider digital adoption.
• Scrapping ELD Manual Requirement
  No longer requiring electronic logging device (ELD) manuals to be physically kept in vehicles, citing no added safety benefit.
• Railroad Grade Crossing Exception Expansion
  Would permit hazmat drivers to proceed without stopping at crossings if warning devices are present but inactive—mirroring existing traffic signal rules.
• Removal of Obsolete ‘Water Carrier’ Language
  All outdated references to "water carriers" in FMCSA regulations would be eliminated.

Additional Equipment-Related Proposals Include:

• Brakes on portable conveyors
• Certification of rear-impact guards
• Fuel tank overfill restrictions
• License plate lamp standards
• Retroreflective sheeting requirements
• Tire load markings and spare fuse mandates

Source: Yahoo