Regulatory Roundup
Stay on top of the latest information and actionable deadlines regarding regulatory issues that affect the motorcoach, charter, and group tour and travel industries. This page will be updated monthly along with the Driving Policy newsletter.
35th Anniversary of the ADA is Coming
The 35th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) is on July 26th, 2025. The ADA is a landmark civil rights law that prohibits discrimination against individuals with disabilities in various areas of public life. This is a timely reminder of the ADA requirements for motorcoach for fleet acquisition and service.
Operation Safe Driver Week Set for July 13-19
Operation Safe Driver Week is a safe-driving awareness and outreach initiative designed to improve the driving behaviors of passenger vehicle drivers and commercial motor vehicle drivers through educational and traffic enforcement strategies, as well as interactions with law enforcement.
Throughout Operation Safe Driver Week, law enforcement personnel will be on the lookout for commercial motor vehicle drivers and passenger vehicle drivers engaging in unsafe or risky driving behaviors. Identified unsafe drivers will be pulled over and issued a citation or warning.
Updated Out of Service Criteria Implementing English Language Proficiency for CDL Drivers Now in Effect
Pursuant to President Trump’s Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers Executive Order, the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has added non-compliance with Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) 391.11(b)(2) to the CVSA North American Standard Out-of-Service Criteria, and is now in effect nationwide, effective June 25.
MC Numbers to Sunset
The FMCSA has announced some major changes, perhaps none more significant than overhauling its carrier identification system. By Oct. 1, 2025, the agency plans to phase out Motor Carrier (MC) numbers and transition entirely to USDOT numbers. By eliminating MC numbers and forcing all authority records to be tracked under a single USDOT number, FMCSA hopes to reduce fraud and hold carriers more accountable for their history. Click here for more information.
CDL Medical Qualification Goes Digital
On June 23, 2025, the compliance date for the FMCSA’s Medical Examiner’s Certification Integration rule went into effect nationwide, resulting in significant changes for Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) Holders in terms of medical qualification reporting. The rule is intended to digitize and streamline the medical certification process for commercial vehicle drivers, eventually eliminating the need for drivers to present a paper copy of their Medical Examiner’s Certificate.
New Rules & Important Notices
IRP Exemption Ending for Ontario Carriers
Due to a transition of the International Registration Plan program services in Ontario, Canada, a declaration providing an exemption through June 30, 2025 is in place. A grace period is being provided to ensure all carriers with a March 31 – May 31, 2025 renewal have sufficient time to receive their credentials, according to theemergency declaration extension letter. Impacted carriers are advised to keep a copy of the exemption letter in all affected vehicles operated.
TSA Surface Transportation Security Advisory Committee Seeks Nominees
On June 3, TSA announced it was accepting applications for candidates to serve on the new Surface Transportation Security Advisory Committee. The Committee is composed of up to 40 voting members representing each mode of surface transportation, such as passenger/freight rail, mass transit, pipelines, over-the-road bus, school bus, and trucking industries. It may include representatives from trade associations representing the modes of surface transportation, labor organizations, and law enforcement, first responders, and security experts. The purpose of the Committee is to advise TSA on surface transportation security matters, including the development, refinement, and implementation of policies, programs, initiatives, rulemakings, and security directives. Applications should include a statement of interest, professional resume, and home/work contact details. Applications are due by July 3, 2025.
FMCSA Requests Comments on National Consumer Complaint Database
On June 6, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requested 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. Click here to file comments.
Department of Interior Extends Comment Period for Deregulation Suggestions
On June 24, the Department of Interior extended the comment deadline on it’s request for information on deregulatory activities. ABA strongly supports the initiative begun under the first Trump Administration to evaluate the continued necessity, validity, and efficacy of existing transportation regulations and agency actions (e.g., guidance) and determining recommendations for repeal, replacement, or modification without compromising safety. Click here to submit comments. Comments are due July 21, 2025.
DHS Makes Public a Review of Employment Authorization Status
Employers can now use E-Verify to regularly generate status change reports that identify whether an employee’s Employment Authorization Document has been revoked. This process will alert employers for certain (immigrant) aliens whose authorization to legally be in the US has been terminated. These revocations may be on a case-by-case basis or may be for groups, such as aliens paroled through the Processes for Cubans, Haitians, Nicaraguans, and Venezuelans (CHNV). On June 20, DHS made information publicly available about workers whose documents were revoked between April 9 and June 13. Click here for more.
OSHA Heat Standard Public Hearings Continue
An informal public hearing on OSHA’s Heat Injury and Illness Prevention in Outdoor and Indoor Work Settings proposed rule is being held virtually beginning on June 16, 2025, and continuing through July 2, 2025. The hearings begin at 9:30 a.m. (Eastern Time) on each day and conclude around 4:30 p.m. (Eastern Time). The hearing will be available to the public for live viewing on YouTube. Click here to access each day’s proceedings. A post-hearing docket will be open for public comment through September 30, 2025
FMCSA Requests Comments on Lease and Interchange of Vehicles ICR
On May 28, FMCSA requested comments on the Lease and Interchange of Vehicles Information Collection Request, which will enable FMCSA to document the burden associated with for-hire truck leasing and passenger carrier regulations. Comments are due by July 28. Click here to submit comments.
Deregulation Efforts Sprints Ahead in the Transportation Sector
FMCSA Deregulatory Actions (20)
FMCSA Issues Final Rule Updating the Civil Penalties Schedule
On May 30, FMCSA issued 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 issued 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 requested 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 requested 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 requested 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 requested 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 requested 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 requested 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 requested 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 requested 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 requested comments on the NPRM removing references to liquid-burning flares from the warning device requirements in the FMCSRs. On June 5, FMCSA issued 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 requested 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 requested 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 requested 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 requested 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 requested 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 requested 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 requested 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 requested 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 requested 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.
NHTSA Deregulatory Actions (16)
The notices of proposed rulemaking, comments due July 29, 2025:
- Removing Obsolete Directives from Phase-In Reporting Requirements: NHTSA is proposing to remove obsolete directives from the phase-in reporting requirements in Part 585.
- Removing Obsolete Procedures from the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act of 2009: NHTSA is proposing to remove obsolete regulations related to the Consumer Assistance to Recycle and Save Act of 2009.
- Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 204; Steering Control Rearward Displacement: NHTSA is proposing to amend Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 204, Steering Control Rearward Displacement- Passenger Cars, so that it no longer applies to vehicles that are certified to the frontal barrier crash protection requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 208, Occupant Crash Protection. (motorcoaches are included in this, upcoming additional testing coming up in Ohio)
- Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 205, Glazing Materials; No. 205(a), Glazing equipment manufactured before September 1, 2006 and glazing materials used in vehicles manufactured before November 1, 2006: NHTSA is proposing to remove the obsolete Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 205(a), Glazing equipment manufactured before September 1, 2006 and glazing materials used in vehicles manufactured before November 1, 2006.
- Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 206; Door Locks and Door Retention Components: NHTSA is proposing to remove obsolete requirements from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 206, Door locks and door retention components.
- Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 207; Seating systems: NHTSA is proposing to remove obsolete requirements from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) No. 207, Seating Systems (removed reference to 2011)
- Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 210; Seat Belt Assembly Anchorages: NHTSA is proposing to remove unnecessary regulatory text from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 210, Seat belt assembly anchorages (school bus related).
- Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 214, Side impact protection: NHTSA is proposing to remove obsolete requirements from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 214, Side impact protection.
- Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; No. 216, Roof Crush Resistance; Applicable Unless a Vehicle is Certified to § 571.216a; and No. 216a, Roof Crush Resistance; Upgraded Standard: NHTSA is proposing to remove the obsolete Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 216, related to roof crush resistance. (getting rid of alternative compliance)
- Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 217; Bus Emergency Exits and Window Retention and Release: NHTSA is proposing to remove obsolete requirements from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 217, Bus emergency exits and window retention and release. (related to school buses built before 1994, alternative compliance)
- Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 222; School Bus Passenger Seating and Crash Protection: NHTSA is proposing to remove obsolete requirements from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 222, School bus passenger seating and crash protection.
- Removing Obsolete Regulatory Text from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 301, Fuel system integrity: NHTSA is proposing to remove obsolete requirements from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 301, Fuel system integrity.
- Removing Obsolete Regulatory Text from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 303, Fuel system integrity of compressed natural gas vehicles: NHTSA is proposing to remove obsolete directives from the phase-in reporting requirements for Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 303, Fuel system integrity of compressed natural gas vehicles.
- Removing Obsolete Regulatory Text from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 304, Compressed natural gas fuel container integrity: NHTSA is proposing to remove obsolete directives from the phase-in reporting requirements in Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 304, Compressed natural gas fuel container integrity.
- Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213a; Child Restraint Systems – Side Impact Protection; Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213; Child Restraint Systems, Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard No. 213b; Child Restraint Systems: This document proposes amendments to the safety standards for child restraint systems (CRSs). NHTSA is proposing to amend FMVSS No. 213a, “Child restraint systems—side impact protection,” to exempt school bus CRSs from the standard’s requirements as long as they meet specified labeling requirements; to delay the compliance date from June 30, 2025 to December 5, 2026; and to provide that the Child Restraint Air Bag Interaction twelve-month-old (CRABI)-12MO test dummy will not be used to test forward-facing CRSs. The first two of these amendments are in response to petitions from CRS manufacturers. NHTSA is also proposing to amend FMVSS No. 213, “Child restraint systems” and FMVSS No. 213b, Child restraint systems; Mandatory applicability beginning December 5, 2026, to exclude school bus CRSs from the requirements to provide attachments for connection to the vehicle’s child restraint anchorage system.
- Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards No. 218; Motorcycle Helmets: This action withdraws the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) published in the Federal Register on May 21, 2015 proposing amendments to Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 218, Motorcycle Helmets. The NPRM proposed three main changes to FMVSS No. 218: (1) Adding a definition of motorcycle helmet, (2) Adding preliminary screening requirements, and (3) Adding an alternate compliance process. Based on NHTSA’s analysis of the comments received and other considerations, the Agency has decided to withdraw the rulemaking proposal.
