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Active Exemptions

If you have any questions, contact CVSA Manager of Government Affairs Margaret Edwards-Velasquez.

This is a listing of all active FMCSA exemptions for the following: electronic logging devices (ELDs), hours of service (HOS), parts and accessories necessary for safe operation, and qualification of driver’s license standards, as well as state specific exemptions. Every exemption is accompanied by a brief summary; however, a full explanation of the exemption in the Federal Register can be found by clicking on the exemption title. Each exemption category lists active exemptions in reverse chronological order based on expiration date, with permanent exemptions listed first. The list does not include exemptions for specific individuals.

In addition, information is included regarding state-specific exemptions, NHTSA FMVSS exemptions, a link to CVSA’s Emergency Declarations Portal and a link to Transport Canada Exemptions.

Click on the below links to be taken to that category of exemptions.

Electronic Logging Devices

For a list of waivers and other ELD-related information, visit FMCSA’s ELD Information page.

Livestock and Insect Hauler ELD Exemption
FMCSA announces that, per the fiscal 2020 appropriations bill, livestock and insect haulers are not required to comply with the ELD requirement for the duration of the fiscal 2020 appropriations bill, as well as any subsequent continuing resolutions of the funding bill. The exemption is effective until further notice.

Motion Picture Association of America ELD Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to renew the Motion Picture Association of America’s (MPAA) five-year exemption from the electronic logging device (ELD) requirements for all commercial motor vehicle drivers providing transportation to or from a theatrical or television motion picture production site. Drivers will still be required to complete paper records of duty status. The exemption is effective Jan. 19, 2023-Jan. 19, 2028.

UPS ELD Exemptions
FMCSA announces its decision to renew an exemption request, originally submitted by United Parcel Services Inc.’s (UPS). The exemption, which applies to all qualified motor carriers, is for a limited 5-year exemption from certain requirements under the electronic logging device (ELD) rule. The exemptions allow (1) all motor carriers and drivers that use portable, driver-based ELDs to record engine data only when the driver is in a commercial motor vehicle and the engine is powered, and (2) all motor carriers to configure an ELD with a yard-move mode that does not require a driver to re-input yard move status every time the tractor is powered off. The exemptions are effective Oct. 21. 2022-Oct. 21, 2027. 

Truck Renting and Leasing Association ELD Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to renew the Truck Renting and Leasing Association’s (TRALA) limited 5-year exemption, which exempts all drivers of property-carrying commercial motor vehicles rented for 8 days or less, regardless of reason, from the requirement to use an electronic logging device (ELD). While operating under this exemption, drivers will remain subject to the standard hours-of-service limits, maintain a paper record of duty status if required, and maintain a copy of the rental agreement on the vehicle. The exemption is effective Oct. 12, 2022-Oct. 12, 2027.

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Hours of Service

SC&RA Oversize/overweight Load 30-minute Rest Break Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to renew the Specialized Carriers and Rigging Association’s (SC&RA) exemption for the transportation of loads that exceed normal weight and dimensional limits. The exemption applies to all oversize-overweight permitted loads whose drivers are not required to comply with the 30-minute rest break rule. The exemption is effective June 17, 2025-June 17, 2030.

McKee Foods Transportation 8-Hour Sleeper Berth Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to extend an exemption to McKee Foods Transportation LLC (MFT) from certain provisions of the agency’s hours-of-service (HOS) regulations. MFT proposed that its team drivers be granted an exemption from the HOS rules pertaining to use of a sleeper berth (SB). Current HOS rules require that all SB rest regimens include, in part, the use of an SB for at least eight hours—combined with a separate period of at least two hours, either in the SB, off-duty or some combination of both—to gain the equivalent of at least 10 consecutive hours off duty. The exemption will allow MFT’s team drivers to take the equivalent of 10 consecutive hours off duty by splitting SB time into two periods totaling 10 hours, provided neither of the two periods is less than three hours. The exemption is effective April 20, 2025-April 20, 2030.

R.J. Corman, Cranemasters and NRC HOS Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to renew the exemption requested by R.J. Corman Railroad Services (R.J. Corman), Cranemasters, Inc. (Cranemasters) and the National Railroad Construction and Maintenance Association Inc. (NRC) from the prohibition against driving a property-carrying CMV beyond the 14th hour after coming on duty and driving after accumulating 60 hours of on-duty time in 7 consecutive days, or 70 hours of on-duty time in 8 consecutive days. The exemption renewal is applicable to employees of R.J. Corman and Cranemasters operating CMVs in response to unplanned events that occur outside of or extend beyond the subject employees’ normal work hours. This renewed exemption is effective March 4, 2025-March 4, 2030.

APA Independence Day HOS/ELD Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to grant exemptions for 44 member companies of the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) from certain hours of service (HOS) regulations during designated Independence Day periods. The exemptions will allow drivers for these companies to exclude off-duty and sleeper berth time of any length from the calculation of the 14-hour limit and to use paper records of duty status (RODS) in lieu of electronic logging devices (ELDs). These exemptions are effective June 28-July 8, at 11:59 p.m. local time, each year from 2025-2029.

WestRock 14 Hour Rule Exemption
FMCSA provisionally the exemption held by WestRock from the hours-of-service (HOS) regulations that prohibit drivers from operating property-carrying CMVs after 14 hours on duty and require 10 hours off duty before resuming driving. FMCSA renewed this limited exemption for WestRock’s shipping department employees and occasional substitute commercial driver’s license holders who transport paper mill products short distances on a public road between its shipping and receiving locations. The exemption is restricted to a specific route, measuring less than 300 feet in one direction, in Chattanooga, Tennessee. FMCSA previously determined that the CMV operations of WestRock’s drivers under this exemption would likely maintain a level of safety equivalent to or greater than the level of safety that would be achieved in the absence of the exemption. The exemption is effective from April 17, 2024, to April 16, 2029.

Cleveland-Cliffs Steel 14 Hour Rule Request
FMCSA announces its decision to grant Cleveland-Cliffs Steal LLC and exemption to allow its drivers to operate for 16-hour on-duty periods. The exemption allows Cleveland-Cliff drivers, that transport scrap metal on two trucks between their production and shipping locations on public roads, to operate for a 16-hour on-duty period and be able to operate the following day without the required 10 consecutive hours off duty. The exemption is effective May 11, 2022-May 11, 2027.

Cleveland-Cliffs Steel 14 Hour Rule Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to grant Cleveland-Cliffs Steel LLC an exemption from the 14 hour rule. The exemption allows Cleveland-Cliffs’ employee-drivers with commercial driver’s licenses who transport steel coils between their production and shipping locations on public roads to work up to 16 hours per day and return to work with less than the mandatory 10 consecutive hours off duty. The exemption is effective Sept. 23, 2021-Sept. 23, 2026.

Transportation of Fertilizer Products HOS/ELD Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to waive the hours-of-service limitations in 49 CFR 395.3 and the requirement for drivers to use an ELD to record the driver’s duty status in 49 CFR 395.8(a)(1)(i) for motor carriers and drivers transporting straight or blended fertilizer products for commercial farming and agricultural purposes in select states. This waiver does not apply to the transportation of hazardous materials. The exemption is effective May 26, 2026-Aug. 26, 2026. 

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Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation

Truck-Lite Rear Lamp Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to grant Truck-Lite Co. LLC’s (Truck-Lite) application for a limited 5-year exemption to allow motor carriers to install Truck-Lite and/or sister company ECCO auxiliary amber brake-activated pulsating lamps on the rear of CMVs in addition to the steady-burning brake lamps required by the FMCSRs. The exemption is effective May 29, 2026 -June 3, 2031. 

Yarde Metals Rear Lamp Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to grant Yarde Metals Inc.’s (Yarde Metals, USDOT No. 299202) application for a limited 5-year exemption to allow the use of an amber, brake-activated, pulsating auxiliary lamp positioned in the rear center outside frame rail of each of its CMVs in addition to the steady-burning brake lamps required by the FMCSRs. The exemption is effective April 28, 2026-April 28, 2031.

Atlantic Aviation Exhaust System Exemption
FMCSA grants Atlantic Aviation Orlando LLC (Atlantic Aviation) an exemption from certain exhaust system requirements to allow four aircraft fuel service trucks to operate with exhaust systems that discharge forward of the cab rather than at or near the rear of the cab. The exemption is effective April 28, 2026-April 28, 2031.

Grote Rear Lamp Exemption
FMCSA announces the approval of an exemption request from Grote Industries LLC, allowing motor carriers operating trailers and van body trucks to install amber brake-activated pulsating lamps on the rear of the vehicles. The exemption is effective Dec. 3, 2025-Dec. 2, 2030.

NTTC Rear Lamp Exemption
FMCSA announces the approval of an exemption request from the National Tank Truck Carriers Inc. (NTTC), allowing motor carriers operating tank trailers to install a red or amber brake-activated pulsating lamp on the rear of the trailers. The exemption is effective Oct. 8, 2025-Oct. 8, 2030.

IANA Qualified Inspector Exemption
FMCSA announces the approval of the Intermodal Association of North America’s (IANA)’s request for exemption from the training requirements for individuals certified to conduct periodic inspections and qualified brake system inspections. The exemption allows individuals who have completed a training program consistent with the intermodal recommended practices developed by IANA to be considered qualified for the respective inspection programs. The exemption is effective Aug. 18, 2025-Aug. 1, 2030.

Adirondak Transit Lines, Pine Hill Kingston Bus Corp. and Passenger Bus Corp. Commercial Motor Vehicle Marking Rules Exemption
FMCSA announces the renewal of a joint exemption request from Adirondack Transit Lines Inc., Pine Hill Kingston Bus Corp. and Passenger Bus Corp., allowing their passenger carrying commercial motor vehicles to operate without the required display of the motor carrier name and U.S. DOT number. The exemption is effective Nov. 28, 2025-May 28, 2030.

K & L Cargo Securement Exemption
FMCSA announces the approval of an exemption request from K & L Trucking Inc. to allow the company to secure large metal coils to its trailers using a cargo securement system that differs from that required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. The exemption is effective April 21, 2025-April 21, 2030.

Casey Intellistop Module Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to grant an application from Casey’s Services Company (Casey) for an exemption to allow it to operate CMVs equipped with a module manufactured by Intellistop Inc. (Intellistop), which is designed to pulse the required rear clearance, identification and brake lamps from a lower-level lighting intensity to a higher-level lighting intensity four times in two seconds when the brakes are applied and then return the lights to a steady-burning state while the brakes remain engaged. This exemption is effective April 16, 2025-April 16, 2030.

Coffeyville Intellistop Module Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to grant an application from Coffeyville Resources Crude Transportation (Coffeyville) for an exemption to allow it to operate CMVs equipped with a module manufactured by Intellistop Inc. (Intellistop), which is designed to pulse the required rear clearance, identification and brake lamps from a lower-level lighting intensity to a higher-level lighting intensity four times in two seconds when the brakes are applied and then return the lights to a steady-burning state while the brakes remain engaged. This exemption is effective April 16, 2025-April 16, 2030.

Vision Systems North America Mirror Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to renew  Vision Systems North America Inc.’s five-year exemption that allows motor carriers to utilize the company’s Smart-Vision system instead of two rear-vision mirrors. The exemption is effective Jan. 15, 2025-Jan. 15, 2030.

Encore Intellistop Module Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to grant an application from Encore Flooring and Building Products (Encore) for an exemption to allow it to operate CMVs equipped with a module manufactured by Intellistop Inc. (Intellistop), which is designed to pulse the required rear clearance, identification and brake lamps from a lower-level lighting intensity to a higher-level lighting intensity four times in two seconds when the brakes are applied and then return the lights to a steady-burning state while the brakes remain engaged. This exemption is effective Sept. 23, 2024-Sept. 24, 2029.

GLTPA Cargo Securement Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to grant a limited five-year exemption to the Great Lakes Timber Professionals Association (GLTPA) on behalf of motor carriers in Wisconsin to use cargo securement methods that do not comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. T securing shortwood logs transported lengthwise in crib-type vehicles that have been modified or manufactured without front structures, rear structures, or which have a center-mounted crane for loading and unloading. FMCSA has determined that the use of the alternate cargo securement method will likely achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than the level of safety achieved by the current regulation. This exemption is effective Sept. 10, 2024-Sept. 10, 2029, unless revoked earlier.

Safe Fleet Rear Vision Mirror Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to grant an exemption to Safe Fleet Bus and Rail (Safe Fleet) to allow motor carriers to operate CMVs with the company’s “MirrorLESS” camera monitor system installed as an alternative to the two rear-vision mirrors required by the FMCSRs. This exemption is effective July 30, 2024-July 25, 2029.

Convoy Rear-Vision Mirror Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to grant an exemption request from Convoy Technologies Inc. (Convoy) to allow motor carriers to operate CMVs with the company’s Electronic Rear View System camera monitor system installed as an alternative to the two rear-vision mirrors required by the FMCSRs. This exemption is effective July 24, 2024-July 24, 2029.

Brent Higgins Trucking Inc. Intellistop Module Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to grant Brent Higgins Trucking Inc.’s exemption to allow it to operate CMVs equipped with a module manufactured by Intellistop Inc. (Intellistop), which is designed to pulse the required rear clearance, identification and brake lamps from a lower-level lighting intensity to a higher-level lighting intensity four times in two seconds when the brakes are applied and then return the lights to a steady-burning state while the brakes remain engaged. This exemption is effective June 28, 2024-June 28, 2029.

DJS Fundraising Inc. Intellistop Module Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to grant DJS Fundraising Inc.’s exemption to allow it to operate CMVs equipped with a module manufactured by Intellistop, which is designed to pulse the required rear clearance, identification and brake lamps from a lower-level lighting intensity to a higher-level lighting intensity four times in two seconds when the brakes are applied and then return the lights to a steady-burning state while the brakes remain engaged. This exemption is effective June 28, 2024-June 28, 2029.

JM Bozeman Enterprises Inc. Intellistop Module Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to grant JM Bozeman Enterprises Inc.’s exemption to allow it to operate CMVs equipped with a module manufactured by Intellistop, which is designed to pulse the required rear clearance, identification and brake lamps from a lower-level lighting intensity to a higher-level lighting intensity four times in two seconds when the brakes are applied and then return the lights to a steady-burning state while the brakes remain engaged. This exemption is effective June 28, 2024-June 28, 2029.

Meiborg Brothers Inc. Intellistop Module Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to grant Meiborg Brothers Inc.’s exemption to allow it to operate CMVs equipped with a module manufactured by Intellistop, which is designed to pulse the required rear clearance, identification and brake lamps from a lower-level lighting intensity to a higher-level lighting intensity four times in two seconds when the brakes are applied and then return the lights to a steady-burning state while the brakes remain engaged. This exemption is effective June 28, 2024-June 28, 2029.

Gemini Intellistop Module Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to grant Gemini Motor Transport LP’s (Gemini) exemption to allow it to operate CMVs equipped with a module manufactured by Intellistop, which is designed to pulse the required rear clearance, identification and brake lamps from a lower-level lighting intensity to a higher-level lighting intensity four times in two seconds when the brakes are applied and then return the lights to a steady-burning state while the brakes remain engaged. This exemption is effective May 10, 2024-May 12, 2029.

Groendyke Transport Amber Brake-Activated Pulsating Lamp Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to renew Groendyke Transport’s exemption application. The exemption allows Groendyke Transport to use amber brake-activated pulsating lamps on the rear of its trailers in addition to the required steady burning brake lamps. The exemption is effective April 26, 2024-April 26, 2029.

AFTC of ATA Cargo Securement Exemption
FMCSA announces the renewal of an exemption requested by the Agricultural and Food Transporters Conference (AFTC) of the American Trucking Associations (ATA). The exemption allows for alternative methods of securement of agricultural commodities transported in wood and plastic boxes, large fiberglass tubs and large grouped bales. Motor carrier operating under the exemption must use an approved alternate securement method for wooden boxes/plastic bins and large grouped bales. The exemption is effective April 15, 2024-April 15, 2029.

Stinger-Steered Automobile Transporter Warning Flags Exemption
FMCSA announces the renewal of the Automobile Carriers Conference of ATA’s five-year limited exemption that allows motor carriers operating stinger-steered automobile transporter equipment to operate with projecting loads of new and used motor vehicles, without warning flags. The exemption is effective Aug. 9, 2024-Feb. 15, 2029.

Stoneridge Mirror Exemption
FMCSA  its decision to provisionally renew Stoneridge Inc.’s (Stoneridge) exemption which allows motor carriers to operate CMVs with the company’s Mirror Eye Camera Monitor System installed as an alternative to the two rear-vision mirrors. The exemption is effective Feb. 13, 2024-Feb. 12, 2029.

Pi Variables’ Use of Pi-Lit Smart Sequential Road Flares
FMCSA  its decision to grant a limited five-year exemption to Pi Variables Inc. to allow pi-lit® smart sequential (LED) road flares to be deployed when CMVs are stopped on the traveled portion of a highway or the shoulder of a highway for any cause other than necessary traffic stops. This exemption is effective June 27, 2023-June 27, 2028.

Daimler Coaches’ Driver Assistance Camera Exemption
FMCSA  its decision to grant Daimler Coaches North America LLC’s application for a limited five-year exemption to allow its driver assistance camera technology device to extend beyond the current mounting location limits in the lower area of the windshield on Tourrider commercial motorcoaches. The exemption is effective June 27, 2023-June 22, 2028.

TowMate Use of Rechargeable Wireless Stop, Turn and Tail Lighting Systems Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision provisionally to renew TowMate LLC’s application for a limited five-year exemption to allow motor carriers to operate rechargeable wireless temporary stop, turn and tail lighting systems during temporary towing operations. Under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), all required lamps, with the exception of battery-powered lamps used on projecting loads, must be powered by the electrical system of the motor vehicle. The agency has determined that use of rechargeable wireless temporary stop, turn and tail lighting systems during temporary towing operations would not have an adverse impact on safety, and use of these systems under the terms and conditions of the exemption would achieve a level of safety equivalent to or greater than the level of safety provided by the regulation. This decision is consistent with an August 2005 amendment to the FMCSRs to allow battery powered lamps on the rear of projecting loads. The exemption is effective Feb. 9, 2023-Feb. 9, 2028.

Rosco Vision Rear-Vision Mirrors Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to grant an exemption request from Rosco Vision Inc. to allow motor carriers to operate commercial motor vehicles equipped with the company’s commercial vehicle digital mirror system instead of two rear-vision mirrors as required by the FMCSRs. The exemption is effective Dec. 4, 2022-Dec. 4, 2027.

Ford Motor Company Exhaust System Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to renew an exemption to allow motor carriers to operate Ford’s transit-based commercial motor vehicles that do not meet the exhaust system location requirements in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). The exemption is effective Aug. 16, 2022-Aug. 16, 2027.

Institute of Towing and Recovery Securement Ties Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to renew the International Institute of Towing and Recovery’s (IITR) exemption allowing its operators to secure cars, trucks and vans using four tiedowns, two of which are fixed and two adjustable, rather than using two adjustable tiedowns. The exemption is effective May 17, 2022-May 17, 2027.

Metal Coils on a Flatbed Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to renew the Flatbed Carrier Safety Group’s exemption, which allows the securement of metal coils on a flatbed vehicle, in a sided vehicle or in an intermodal container loaded with eyes crosswise, grouped in rows, in which the coils are loaded to contact each other in the longitudinal direction. The exemption is effective April 13, 2022-April 13, 2027.

Waste Management Rear Lamp Exemption
FMCSA announces approval of an exemption request from Waste Management Inc., allowing its commercial motor vehicles to operate with amber and red brake-activated pulsating lamps on the rear of the vehicles. The exemption is effective Jan. 20, 2022-Jan. 20, 2027.

Complete Innovations Windshield Mounting Exemption
FMCSA announces approval of an exemption request from Complete Innovations Inc., allowing its Vision 2.0 device to be mounted lower in the windshield on commercial motor vehicles than is currently permitted. The exemption is effective Jan. 20, 2022-Jan. 20, 2027.

Loomis Armored US Driver and Passenger Door Exemption
FMCSA announces approval of an exemption request from Loomis Armored US LLC to allow the driver and passenger doors on the cabs of its specialized armored vehicles to be welded shut. Loomis intends to add two new doors behind the cab. The exemption is effective Oct. 18, 2021-Oct. 13, 2026.

FTS Windshield Mounting Exemption
FMCSA announces the approval of an exemption request from Forward Thinking Systems LLC (FTS), allowing its FleetCam system to be mounted lower in the windshield on commercial motor vehicles than is currently permitted. The exemption is effective Oct. 18, 2021-Oct. 13, 2026

EROAD Windshield Mounting Exemption
FMCSA announces the approval of an exemption request from EROAD Inc., allowing its Dashcam device to be mounted lower in the windshield on commercial motor vehicles than is currently permitted. The exemption is effective Oct. 18, 2021-Oct. 13, 2026.

Cleveland-Cliffs Heavy Hauler Trailer Definition Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to grant Cleveland-Cliffs LLC an exemption which allows them to use coil carriers that do not meet the ‘‘heavy hauler trailer’’ definition, height of rear side marker lights restrictions, tire loading restrictions, or the coil securement requirements. The exemption is effective Sept. 23, 2021-Sept. 23, 2026.

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Qualification of Driver’s License Standards

Wilson Logistics CDL Exemption
FMCSA announces the approval of an exemption request from Wilson Logistics, allowing its commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders who have passed the CDL skills test but have not yet obtained the CDL document to operate a commercial motor vehicle without having a CDL holder in the passenger seat. The exemption is effective Feb. 24, 2026-Feb. 24, 2031.

CRST CLP Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to renew the CRST The Transportation Solution (CRST) (formerly known as CRST Expedited Inc.) exemption from the regulation that requires a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holder to be accompanied by a commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder with the proper CDL class and endorsements, seated in the front seat of the vehicle while the CLP holder performs behind-the-wheel training on public roads or highways. Under the terms and conditions of this exemption, a CLP holder who has documentation of passing the CDL skills test may drive a CMV for CRST without being accompanied by a CDL holder in the front seat of the vehicle. The exemption enables CLP holders to drive as part of a team and have the same regulatory flexibility as CRST team drivers with CDLs. This renewed exemption is effective Sept. 24, 2023-Sept. 24, 2028.

WM Driver Qualifications Exemptions
FMCSA announces its decision to grant the exemption application from Waste Management Holdings, Inc. (WM) for limited relief from certain driver qualification requirements to allow WM to use the exception for a “single-employer driver” when it transfers drivers among affiliates. FMCSA also grants a limited exemption from the requirement for the driver to undergo controlled substances testing when being transferred among affiliates if the driver has participated in a WM random controlled substances testing pool for any WM-affiliated employer for the previous 12 months. Finally, FMCSA grants an exemption to allow WM to conduct a limited, rather than full, Clearinghouse query when transferring drivers among affiliates. This exemption is effective May 13, 2026-May 13, 2028. 

Stevens Transport CLP Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to grant the Stevens Transport, Inc. (Stevens) request for an exemption from the requirement that a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holder be accompanied by a commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder with the proper CDL class and endorsements seated in the front seat of the vehicle while the CLP holder performs behind-the-wheel training on public roads or highways. The exemption allows a CLP holder who has passed the skills test but not yet received the CDL document to drive a Stevens commercial motor vehicle (CMV) accompanied by a CDL holder who is not necessarily in the passenger seat, provided the driver has documentation of passing the skills test. FMCSA has analyzed the exemption application and public comments and determined that the exemption, subject to the terms and conditions imposed, will achieve a level of safety that is equivalent to, or greater than, the level that would be achieved absent such exemption. The exemption is effective Dec. 28, 2022-Dec. 28, 2027.

UPS CLP Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to grant the United Parcel Service Inc.’s (UPS) request for an exemption that allows UPS to conduct behind-the-wheel training for commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders in twin 28-foot trailers, rather than waiting to conduct the training after the individuals receive their Class A CDLs and pass the required knowledge test to obtain the double/ triple trailer endorsement on their CDLs. The exemption is effective Sept. 28, 2022-Sept.28, 2027.

American Public Transportation Association CDL Exemption
FMCSA its decision to grant, in part,  the application from the American Public Transportation Association (APTA), on behalf of public transit agencies and their contractor partners. FMCSA grants the application request to allow state driver licensing agencies the option to waive the “under- the-hood” portion of the pre-trip vehicle inspection skills test requirement for CDL applicants seeking to operate CMVs in public transportation. The exemption is effective July 16, 2025-July 16, 2027.

New Prime Inc. CLP Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to renew the New Prime Inc. exemption from the provisions that require a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holder to be accompanied by a commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder with the proper CDL class and endorsements, seated in the front seat of the vehicle while the CLP holder performs behind-the-wheel training on public roads or highways. Under the terms and conditions of this exemption, a CLP holder who has documentation of passing the CDL skills test may drive a commercial motor vehicle for New Prime without being accompanied by a CDL holder in the front seat. The exemption is effective June 28, 2022-June 27, 2027.

C.R. England Inc. CLP Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to renew the C.R. England Inc. exemption from the provisions that require a commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holder to be accompanied by a commercial driver’s license (CDL) holder with the proper CDL class and endorsements, seated in the front seat of the vehicle while the CLP holder performs behind-the-wheel training on public roads or highways. Under the terms and conditions of this exemption, a CLP holder who has documentation of passing the CDL skills test may drive a commercial motor vehicle for C.R. England without being accompanied by a CDL holder in the front seat. The exemption is effective June 13, 2022-June 12, 2027.

Recreational Vehicle CDL Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to grant an exemption from the federal commercial driver’s license (CDL) requirements for drivers who deliver certain newly manufactured motorhomes and recreational vehicles (RVs) to dealers or trade shows before retail sale (driveaway operations). Drivers engaged in driveaway deliveries of RVs with gross vehicle weight ratings of 26,001 pounds or more will not be required to have a CDL as long as the empty RVs have gross vehicle weights or gross combination weights that do not meet or exceed 26,001 pounds, and any RV trailers towed by other vehicles weigh 10,000 pounds or less. RV units that have a combined gross vehicle weight exceeding 26,000 pounds are not covered by the exemption. The exemption is effective April 6, 2022-April 6, 2027.

National School Transportation Association CDL Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to renew the National School Transportation Association (NSTA) request for an exemption from the engine compartment portion of the pre-trip vehicle inspection skills testing requirement, known as the “under-the hood” testing requirement, for commercial driver’s license (CDL) applicants seeking a school bus endorsement. Drivers issued a CDL pursuant to the requested exemption would be restricted to the intrastate operation of school buses only. FMCSA also grants an exemption from the requirement that states administer this portion of the pre-trip vehicle inspection test in accordance with an FMCSA pre-approved examiner information manual. The exemption is effective Nov. 28, 2024-Nov. 28, 2026.

Paper Copy of Medical Examiner’s Certificate Waiver
FMCSA extended its waiver from certain regulations applicable to interstate commercial driver’s license holders, commercial learner’s permit holders and motor carriers to allow them to continue to rely on a paper copy of the medical examiner’s certificate as proof of the driver’s medical certification for up to 60 days after the date the medical examiner’s certificate was issued. The waiver is effective April 11, 2026-Oct. 11, 2026.

Covenant Logistics CLP Exemption
FMCSA announces it decision to grant Covenant Transport Inc. and Landair Transport Inc., jointly doing business as Covenant Logistics, an exemption to allow commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders who have passed the commercial driver’s license (CDL) skills test but have not yet received a CDL document to drive a Covenant Logistics’ commercial motor vehicle (CMV) without being accompanied by a CDL holder in the passenger seat. The exemption is effective July 30, 2024-July 30, 2026.

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State-Specific Exemptions

Hawaii CDL Exemption
FMCSA granted a five-year exemption to the Hawaii Department of Transportation from the CDL rules concerning acceptable proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency for citizens of Freely Associated States who reside in Hawaii and wish to obtain a CDL or commercial learner’s permit (CLP). The exemption is effective May 14, 2026-May 14, 2031.

Hawaii CDL Skills Test and ELDT Exemption
FMCSA its decision to grant an exemption to Hawaii allowing the state to waive specific portions of the commercial driver’s license (CDL) skills test for CDL applicants who take the skills test on the islands of Lanai and Molokai and issue these drivers a restricted CDL. Drivers who receive a restricted CDL under the provisions of this exemption are also exempt from the entry-level driver training (ELDT) regulations. The exemption is effective July 17, 2025-July 17, 2030.

Alaska CDL Skills Test and ELDT Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to renew the state of Alaska’s exemption from the limitations imposed by the commercial driver’s license (CDL) regulations on the state’s ability to issue restricted CDLs. The exemption allows the state to waive specified portions of the CDL skills test for drivers in 14 defined geographical areas that lack infrastructure to allow completion of the full skills test. Drivers who receive a restricted CDL under the provisions of this exemption are also exempt from the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) regulations. The exemption is effective Dec. 30, 2024-Dec. 30, 2029.

Oregon CDL Exemption
FMCSA granted a five-year exemption to the Oregon Department of Transportation (Oregon) from the CDL rules concerning acceptable proof of citizenship or lawful permanent residency for citizens of Freely Associated States who reside in Oregon and wish to obtain a CDL or CLP. The exemption is effective Sept. 25, 2024-Sept. 25, 2029.

Hawaii DOT CDL School Bus Endorsement Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to grant an exemption to Hawaii Department of Transportation (DOT) to allow CDL holders with a passenger (P) endorsement to operate a school bus without holding a school bus (S) endorsement, provided an adult chaperone is present on the bus who is responsible for ensuring the safe loading and unloading of children. This exemption applies to drivers operating traditional school buses, i.e., buses designed to be school buses, and to motorcoaches and vans not designed to be school buses. The exemption is effective Sept. 10, 2024-Sept. 10, 2029.

Massachusetts CDL Skills Test Exemption
FMCSA announces its decision to grant an exemption to the Massachusetts Department of State Police allowing the State to waive specific portions of the commercial driver’s license (CDL) skills test for CDL applicants who take the skills test on the island of Martha’s Vineyard and issue those drivers a restricted CDL. The exemption is effective from Dec 31, 2025-Dec. 31, 2027. 

Virginia DMV Exemption from the Skills Performance Evaluation
FMCSA announces its decision to renew the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) exemption on behalf of truck and bus drivers who are licensed in the Commonwealth of Virginia and need a Skill Performance Evaluation (SPE) certificate from FMCSA to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce. The exemption enables interstate CMV drivers who are licensed in Virginia and are subject to the federal SPE requirements to continue to fulfill the federal requirements with a state-issued SPE and to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce anywhere in the United States. The exemption is from effective Jan. 8, 2026- July 8, 2027.

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NHTSA FMVSS Exemptions

Autocar Low Brake Air Pressure Telltale Exemption
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) announces its decision to grant Autocar an exemption from Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 101, Controls and Displays. Autocar Xspotter and Xpediter trucks model year 2014-2018 display the words “Brake Pressure” along with a symbol specific to the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standard, not the words “Air Brake” as required by FMVSS No. 101. All Autocar Xspotter and Xpediter trucks with model year 2014-2018, manufactured between Sept. 12, 2013 and Aug. 4, 2017, are exempt from this safety standard. This exemption is permanent and was effective June 27, 2018.

Legacy Limousines and Luxury Coaches Shoulder Belt Exemption
NHTSA announces it decision to grant Legacy Limousines and Luxury Coaches a temporary exemption from the requirement to install Type 2 seat belts at side-facing locations in the company’s motorcoaches. The granted exemption permits the petitioner to install Type 1 seat belts (lap belt only) at side-facing seating positions, instead of the Type 2 seat belts (lap and shoulder belts) required by FMVSS No. 208, Occupant Crash Protection. This exemption applies to motorcoaches produced from Jan. 21, 2025-Jan. 21, 2027.

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Emergency Declarations

Emergency Declarations
Visit the CVSA Emergency Declarations page for a full list of national and jurisdictional emergency declarations.

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Canadian Exemptions

For a full list of Canadian exemptions, visit the following Transport Canada exemption pages.

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