Regulatory Update – April 3, 2020

Update on Relevant U.S. Regulations

PHMSA Announces Lithium Battery Air Safety Advisory Committee Meeting
On March 30, 2020, the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) announced that the Lithium Battery Air Safety Advisory Committee will hold a public meeting Sept. 16-17 at the U.S. Department of Transportation headquarters in Washington, D.C. Requests to attend the meeting must be received by Sept. 2.

NHTSA Publishes NPRM on Occupant Protection for ADS
On March 30, 2020, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) published a notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM) to consider the challenges of testing crash worthiness standards for vehicles equipped with automated driving systems (ADS) that lack traditional manual controls but otherwise have typical seating configurations for passengers. Comments are due by May 29.

Update on Exemptions

FMCSA Requests Comments on IANA Inspector Qualification Exemption Request
On April 3, 2020, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published a notice and request for comments on an application from the Intermodal Association of North America (IANA) for an exemption from the training requirements for individuals certified to conduct periodic inspections and qualified brake system inspections. IANA requests that individuals that have completed a training program consistent with the Intermodal Recommended Practices developed by IANA be considered qualified for the respective inspection programs. Comments are due by May 4.

FMCSA Requests Comments on Nauto Window Mounting Exemption Request
On April 2, 2020, FMCSA published a notice and request for comments on an application from Nauto Inc. for exemption from the window mounting requirements. Nauto requests that its multi-sensor device be permitted to be mounted lower in the windshield than is currently allowed. Comments are due by May 4.

FMCSA Requests Comments on NTTC Rear Lamp Exemption Request
Also on April 2, 2020, FMCSA published a notice and request for comments on an application from the National Tank Truck Carriers Inc. (NTTC) to allow motor carriers to operate tank trailers with a red or amber brake-activated pulsating lamp on the rear of trailers. Comments are due by May 4.

CVSA Active Exemption Tracker
CVSA maintains a list of active exemptions issued by FMCSA. Members can access the information by logging into their CVSA member portal and clicking on the “Exemptions” tab at the top of the page.

Other Items of Interest

CVSA Publishes COVID-19 Resources Page
CVSA is maintaining a page of links to important COVID-19 information from organizations, associations and agencies that commercial motor vehicle law enforcement personnel, motor carriers and professional drivers need to know.