Update on Relevant U.S. Regulations
NHTSA Requests Comments on FRIAR ICR
On April 12, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) requested comments on the First Responder Incident Advanced Reporting Program (FRIAR) information collection request (ICR) in which first responders may submit information about fatalities, injuries or crashes that may have been caused due to a motor vehicle or equipment defect. Comments are due by May 13.
U.S. DOT Requests Information on National Multimodal Freight Network
On April 12, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) requested information on the best approach to identify critical freight facilities and corridors that will make up a National Multimodal Freight Network (NMFN). The U.S. DOT is specifically requesting input on how to prioritize the statutory goals of, and the statutory factors for designating, the NMFN, as well as measurable thresholds, criteria and data sources for designating the NMFN. Comments are due by June 11.
PHMSA Publishes Harmonization with International Standards Final Rule
On April 10, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) published a final rule amending the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) to maintain alignment with international regulations and standards by adopting various amendments, including changes to proper shipping names, hazard classes, packing groups, special provisions, packaging authorizations, air transport quantity limitations and vessel stowage requirements. PHMSA is also withdrawing the unpublished Nov. 28, 2022, Notice of Enforcement Policy Regarding International Standards on the use of select updated international standards in complying with the HMR during the pendency of this rulemaking. This final rule is effective May 10.
PHMSA Requests Comments on Cargo Tank Specification Requirements ICR
On April 10, PHMSA requested comments on the Cargo Tank Specification Requirements ICR which is related to the manufacture, qualification, maintenance and use of all specification cargo tank motor vehicles. Comments are due by May 10.
FMCSA Requests OMB Approval on Changes to Safe Driver Apprenticeship Pilot Program ICR
On April 4, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requested Office of Management and Budget (OMB) approval for changes to the Safe Driver Apprentice Pilot Program ICR which conforms with recently revised statutory authority. FMCSA requests approval by April 15.
PHMSA Publishes Updates on Special Permits
On April 2, PHMSA published updates on special permit applications:
- List of Applications for Special Permits – Comments are due by May 2.
- List of Applications for Modification of Special Permits – Comments are due by April 17.
- Notice of Actions on Special Permit Applications – Comments are due by May 2.
Update on Exemptions
CVSA Active Exemption Tracker
CVSA maintains a list of active exemptions issued by FMCSA. The exemption tracker can be found at www.cvsa.org under the “Inspections” tab at the top of the page.
Other Items of Interest
NHTSA Releases 2023 Fatality Early Estimates and 2022 Distraction Data
On April 1, NHTSA released preliminary 2023 traffic fatality data and 2022 distraction data. In 2023, an estimated 40,990 people died in motor vehicle crashes, a decrease of about 3.6% compared to 42,514 fatalities in 2022. For crashes involving distracted drivers in 2022, 3,308 people were killed and an estimated additional 289,310 people were injured.