Deregulation Now Begins in the Trucking Industry

Deregulation Targets Trucking Industry Regulations

DOT Announces Wide-Ranging Deregulation Affecting Truckers

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced a major deregulation plan aimed at removing outdated or unnecessary federal rules. Many of the changes directly affect the trucking industry.

Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy introduced the plan on May 29. It includes 52 rule changes across three major agencies: the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).

Most of the updates focus on eliminating rules that no longer improve safety. According to DOT, these rules add extra costs and confusion for truckers and carriers.

“These are common sense changes that will help us build a more efficient government that better reflects the needs of the American people,” said Secretary Duffy.

Paper ELD Manual Requirement Removed

One key deregulation proposal from FMCSA would eliminate the need for truck drivers to carry a printed copy of the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) manual in their truck. FMCSA already provides this information online through a list of certified vendors.

Drivers are still responsible for understanding how to use their ELD. FMCSA says a printed manual is no longer necessary and only adds to the paperwork burden.

Deregulation Proposes End to Spare Fuse and Flare Rules

FMCSA’s deregulation plan also includes removing the requirement for commercial vehicles to carry spare fuses. Today’s trucks use advanced systems that make this rule less useful.

In addition, liquid-burning flares are no longer common. FMCSA wants to remove them from its list of approved safety devices. The agency says this change would not reduce safety.

Rear Impact Guard Labels Targeted in Deregulation

Another part of the deregulation plan involves rear impact guards. FMCSA wants to remove the requirement for these guards to have permanent certification labels. Over time, these labels can fade or fall off.

FMCSA says this rule causes problems during inspections, even when the guard itself is still compliant with safety standards.

Self-Reporting Rule for CDL Drivers to End with Deregulation

A major deregulation step is ending the rule that requires commercial drivers to report traffic violations to their home state. Starting in 2024, states began sharing this data electronically.

FMCSA says the self-reporting rule is now redundant. Removing it would simplify things for drivers without harming oversight.

CDL Relief for Military Drivers

Under the proposed deregulation, certain military drivers may soon qualify for exemptions from CDL rules. FMCSA wants to expand an existing exemption to cover dual-status military technicians.

This proposal follows a formal request and aims to reduce duplicate training and testing for qualified military personnel.

Old Reflective Tape Rule Removed

Another deregulation action targets retroreflective tape on trailers. FMCSA wants to repeal a rule that requires older trailers (made before December 1993) to be retrofitted with reflective tape.

Since most trailers on the road today were built after that date, the rule is seen as outdated.

Deregulation Supports Electronic DVIRs and Safer Rail Crossings

FMCSA is updating its rules to clearly allow drivers to complete Daily Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs) electronically. This part of the deregulation plan encourages modern, cost-effective recordkeeping.

Another proposal would allow commercial drivers to proceed through a railroad crossing if warning signals are not active. Local law must also allow it, and drivers must confirm the crossing is safe before moving forward.

Other Trucking Rule Changes Under Review

FMCSA’s deregulation package includes other rule changes still under review:

• Brake rules may be updated for older portable conveyors.

• Fuel tanks may no longer need a 95% fill limit.

• License plate light requirements could be removed for tractors pulling trailers.

• Sidewall tire labeling rules could be simplified to avoid confusion.

DOT’s Plan Aims to Simplify Trucking Rules

DOT’s broad deregulation effort covers agencies including FMCSA, FHWA, and NHTSA. While many FHWA and NHTSA changes are unrelated to trucking, FMCSA’s updates are meant to ease the burden on motor carriers and drivers.

The changes follow Executive Orders 14192 and 14219. These orders call for more efficient government and a reduction in regulatory costs.

“Big government has been a big failure. Under President Trump’s leadership, my department is slashing duplicative and outdated regulations that are unnecessarily burdensome, waste taxpayer dollars, and fail to ensure safety,” said Secretary Duffy.

FMCSA says none of the changes will reduce public safety. Instead, the deregulation plan is designed to help truckers by removing outdated rules that no longer serve a useful purpose.

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