Stinger-Steered Transporters: 5-Year Exemption Renewal

FMCSA Extends Exemption for Stinger-Steered Auto Transporters: Key Facts

Overview of the Decision

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) renewed a special rule for stinger-steered auto transporters. This rule lets certain trucks carry cars that stick out from the back without adding warning flags. The rule, first approved in 2019, will stay in place until February 15, 2029, unless the FMCSA cancels it earlier.

Why the Stinger-Steered Rule Matters

Normally, trucks carrying loads that extend more than 4 feet from the back need to use red or orange flags. These flags help other drivers see the load. But for car haulers, adding flags directly to vehicles can cause damage.

Auto haulers say that today’s vehicles already have reflectors and lights required by federal safety rules. These reflectors make the vehicles visible, serving the same purpose as the flags. Because of this, the FMCSA agreed that warning flags are not needed for these auto haulers.

What the Exemption Covers

This rule applies only to stinger-steered auto transporters. These haulers use a low hitch to carry vehicles and often have cars hanging up to 6 feet beyond the back. The exemption now applies to both new and used vehicles, which was clarified with this renewal.

Industry Feedback

The FMCSA’s decision is welcome news to auto haulers. Companies like Nationwide Auto Transport, Inc. and US Auto Logistics, LLC praised the exemption. They said it eases their workload and reduces extra rules.

Earlier this year, a six-month extension gave haulers time to keep running smoothly while waiting for the final decision. Now, they have a longer-term solution.

Safety Is Still the Priority

The FMCSA has not found any safety issues from allowing auto haulers to skip the warning flags. Since the rule started in 2019, there has been no increase in accidents involving these trucks.

The FMCSA noted that these auto haulers are easy to spot because the vehicles they carry are equipped with reflectors and lights. The agency will continue to watch for any safety concerns and will cancel the exemption if necessary.

Rules Stinger-Steered Haulers Must Follow

Even with the exemption, haulers still have to meet these requirements:

• All transported vehicles must have the necessary lights and reflectors.
• Haulers must report any rear-end crashes to the FMCSA within seven business days, even if the crashes are minor.
• Drivers must carry a copy of the exemption—either printed or digital—for inspections.

During the exemption period, no state can enforce rules that go against this decision. However, states can choose to allow the same exemption for their own operations.