CVSA Update: Key Regulatory Changes for Truck Drivers

CVSA Update: Regulatory Changes and Compliance News for Truck Drivers

A recent CVSA update highlights several regulatory developments that may affect truck drivers, motor carriers, and roadside inspections. The update covers announcements from the U.S. DOT, new regulatory notices, exemption decisions, and changes related to electronic logging devices.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance publishes regulatory updates to help enforcement agencies and the trucking industry stay informed about changes that could impact compliance and inspections. Several items in this update relate directly to HOS compliance, driver qualifications, and equipment rules that apply to CMV.

Upcoming U.S. DOT Advisory Board Meeting

The CVSA update reports that the U.S. DOT announced a public meeting of the U.S. DOT Advisory Board. The meeting is scheduled for March 18, and the department said virtual participation will be available.

Advisory board meetings often focus on transportation policy, safety issues, and industry concerns that may influence future regulatory decisions.

CVSA Update Highlights Drug and Alcohol Program Reminder

Another item in the CVSA update involves a notice from the U.S. DOT regarding the Substance Abuse Professional (SAP) and return-to-duty (RTD) process. The notice reminds U.S. DOT-qualified SAPs and regulated employers to follow the required procedures tied to the federal drug and alcohol testing program.

These procedures apply when a driver fails or refuses a drug or alcohol test. Before returning to safety-sensitive duties, the driver must complete the SAP evaluation and the required return-to-duty process.

Automated Driving Systems Comment Deadline

The CVSA update also notes an action from the NHTSA involving automated vehicle technology. NHTSA extended the public comment period for feedback on a proposed global technical regulation for automated driving systems (ADS).

The draft regulation was developed by the United Nations working group focused on automated and connected vehicles. The new deadline for submitting comments is March 10.

CVSA Update Covers Freight Planning Guidance

Another development included in the CVSA update involves guidance published by the U.S. DOT related to multimodal state freight plans and state freight advisory committees.

The guidance updates earlier instructions that were originally issued in January 2023. The updated guidance became effective February 24.

State freight plans help guide transportation planning and infrastructure decisions related to freight movement.

CVSA Update Includes FMCSA Exemption Developments

The CVSA update also outlines several exemption actions from the FMCSA. One request comes from Grote Industries LLC, which applied for an exemption from the rule requiring exterior lighting on commercial vehicles to remain steady burning. If approved, the exemption would allow trucks equipped with Grote’s rear-end collision warning system to use auxiliary lamps that flash or strobe.

FMCSA has extended the public comment period for this exemption request. Industry stakeholders now have until May 10 to submit comments regarding the proposal.

The update also notes that FMCSA renewed an exemption for Wilson Logistics. This exemption allows certain commercial learner’s permit holders who have already passed the CDL skills test to operate a commercial vehicle without a CDL holder seated in the passenger seat. The exemption took effect February 24, 2026, and will remain in place through February 24, 2031. CVSA also maintains an online tracker listing active FMCSA exemptions.

Update Highlights Recent ELD Removal

Another important item in the CVSA update involves ELD. On March 4, FMCSA removed 14 devices from the list of registered devices. The agency placed them on the revoked list after determining the providers did not meet minimum requirements under federal regulations. Drivers and motor carriers using the revoked devices were instructed to stop using them immediately and switch to paper logs or other logging software to record HOS data.

The revoked ELDs must be replaced with compliant devices from the registered ELD list before May 4. After that date, drivers who continue using the revoked devices may be cited for failing to maintain a record of duty status under federal regulations. According to enforcement guidance, drivers may also be placed out of service.

The CVSA update also reports that FMCSA reinstated a previously revoked ELD. Motor carriers and drivers may now use the Field Warrior ELD again to record and transfer HOS data.

CVSA Update Shows Ongoing Regulatory Changes

The latest CVSA update shows that several regulatory developments continue to take place across the trucking industry. These changes involve inspections, compliance rules, exemptions, and technology requirements.

Because these updates may affect how drivers operate and how inspections are conducted, motor carriers and drivers often monitor regulatory announcements from CVSA, FMCSA, and other federal agencies.