Minor FMCSA Inspection Changes

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is seeking to both clarify the rules on correcting violations found during roadside inspection, and remove the ability for carriers to use roadside inspections as their annual required inspection through minor changes to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs).

An upcoming Federal Notice, to be published July 22, is minimally amending two portions of the FMCSRs: “Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation,” as well as “Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance.” These changes, according to FMCSA, “do not involve the establishment of new or more stringent requirements, but instead clarify existing requirements to increase consistency of enforcement activities.”

The changes that have the biggest effect on owner-operators, as well as fleet owners and managers, include:

  • Roadside inspections will no longer meet the requirements of an annual inspection, and carriers will be responsible for making sure a periodic inspection is completed every 12 months, even if a roadside inspection is done during that time.
  • Clarifying the regulation to make it clear that any problems found during a roadside inspection have to be corrected, or a certification must be provided stating the repair is unnecessary, before the truck is re-dispatched.
  • Deleting the requirement for trucks to have a rear license plate light when state law doesn’t require the vehicle to have one.
  • Prohibiting the use of speed-restricted tires on tractors regulated by FMCSRs unless the use of the tires is “specifically designated by the motor carrier.” FMCSA said speed-restricted tires shouldn’t be used in excess of 55 miles per hour for extended periods of time.

Other amendments to the FMCSRs clarified certain regulations for enforcement officials for use during inspections, including adding a definition for “major tread groove,” and updating the Minimum Periodic Inspection Standards to include requirements to inspect anti-lock brake systems and automatic brake adjusters.

Questions about DOT Compliance, Licensing, Audits, Programs, etc.?

Our DOT Specialists are here to help!

Related news

Monthly Newsletter

March 29, 2024

Watch the most recent episode for a Quick Trucking News Update

What are you searching for?

Related Services

Is DOT Compliance your Top Priority?

Our DOT Compliance Programs ensure it is your top priority and keeps your business running.

Subscribe to our Monthly Newsletter

Receive the latest transportation and trucking industry information about FMCSA and DOT Audits, Regulations, etc.

Social Media

Related news

Monthly Newsletter

March 29, 2024

Watch the most recent episode for a Quick Trucking News Update