Update on Relevant U.S. Regulations

FMCSA Requests Comments on CDL and Test Standards ICR
On Dec. 6, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published a notice and request for comments on the renewal of an information collection request (ICR) that is needed for the agency to ensure drivers, motor carriers and states comply with the recordkeeping requirements for commercial driver’s licenses (CDL) and testing standards. Comments are due by Jan. 5, 2022.

U.S. DOT Requests Comments on Strategic Plan Framework
On Dec. 3, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) published a notice and request for comments on a draft strategic plan framework. The U.S. DOT is developing a strategic plan for fiscal 2022-2026 and the framework provides a broad outline of what the administration hopes to accomplish. Comments are due by Dec. 17.

Update on Exemptions

FMCSA Requests Comments on AAMVA CDL Skills Testing Exemption Application
On Dec. 9, FMCSA published a notice and request for comments on an application from the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) to allow Maryland, New Hampshire and Virginia to continue using revised CDL pre-trip vehicle inspections and revised control skills test procedures. AAMVA requests that these states be permitted to continue to use these programs after field tests currently being conducted as a part of a pilot program have been completed. Comments are due by Jan. 10, 2022.

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

FMCSA Extends COVID-19 Emergency Declaration
On Nov. 29, FMCSA extended the emergency declaration exempting commercial motor vehicle drivers transporting supplies directly related to the COVID-19 pandemic from the hours-of-service requirements in section 395.3. The exemption specifically applies to drivers transporting livestock, livestock feed, vaccines and related medical supplies and equipment, gasoline, supplies and equipment for community safety and sanitation, and paper products and supplies for restocking grocery stores and distribution centers. The emergency declaration expires on Feb. 28, 2022.