USDOT threatens to withhold federal funding from California, Washington & New Mexico for ELP enforcement non-compliance
In a bold move underscoring the Trump administration's commitment to enhancing trucking safety and enforcing federal regulations, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy has issued a stern warning to three states: California, Washington, and New Mexico. On August 26, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) announced that these states risk losing millions in federal funding unless they immediately align with English Language Proficiency (ELP) requirements for commercial motor vehi
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA Modifies Temporary Waiver for Paper Medical Certificates Amid NRII Transition
According to a notice published August 21, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has modified its temporary waiver, allowing interstate commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) holders, as well as motor carriers, to use paper Medical Examiner’s Certificates (MECs) as proof of medical certification for up to 60 days after issuance. This waiver, effective until October 12, 2025, addresses ongoing challenges in the transition to the National Re
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA and NHTSA Move to Officially Withdraw Speed Limiter Mandate for Heavy Trucks
As announced by Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy earlier this month, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) have announced the withdrawal of their long-standing proposal to mandate speed limiters on heavy commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). This decision, detailed in Federal Register notice 2025-13928 to be published on July 24, 2025, ends years of debate over requiring electronic speed governors on trucks with a
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA Issues Temporary Waiver for NRII Transition, Easing CDL Medical Certification Delays for Motor Carriers and Drivers
Coming on the heels of a rocky transition to the new fully-electronic process for CDL medical certifications, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced a temporary waiver for CDL drivers and the motor carriers that employ them. This FMCSA waiver addresses potential delays in the electronic transmission of DOT medical exam results stemming from medical examiners or state drivers licensing agencies (SDLAs) who weren't prepared for this long awaited change, ensuring that
Brandon Wiseman
USDOT Announces New Initiatives to Support America’s Truck Drivers in 2025
On June 27, 2025, U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) Secretary Sean Duffy unveiled a comprehensive set of initiatives, pilot programs, and regulatory updates aimed at supporting America’s truck drivers. Announced in response to the President’s Executive Order, these measures from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) focus on improving truck parking, providing regulatory relief, enhancing driver flexibility, and modernizing resources. "Truckers keep America running. Whi
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA issues rash of proposed rules
On May 27, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) filed two finalized rules and eighteen proposed rules for public inspection in the Federal Register, set for publication on May 30, 2025. According to the agency, these updates strengthen commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safety, streamline driver qualifications, and reduce regulatory burdens while ensuring compliance with federal standards. What follows is a brief summary of each regulatory action, including effective dates f
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA issues enforcement policy on English proficiency
On May 20, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) issued its much anticipated Enforcement Policy on English language proficiency (ELP) requirements for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. Prompted by Executive Order 14286, signed by President Trump on April 28, 2025, and titled “Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers,” this guidance, effective as of May 20, 2025, aims to guide law enforcement in their application of the ELP requirement in 4
Brandon Wiseman
Congressman Josh Brecheen Reintroduces DRIVE Act to Oppose Federal Speed Limiter Mandate
On April 10, 2025, Congressman Josh Brecheen (R-OK) reintroduced the Deregulating Restrictions on Interstate Vehicles and Eighteen-Wheelers (DRIVE) Act (H.R. 2819). This legislation aims to prevent the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) from mandating speed limiters on commercial vehicles exceeding 26,000 pounds engaged in interstate commerce. Brecheen originally introduced the DRIVE Act in May 2023, but that version of the bill stalled in committee and never advanced to a floor
Brandon Wiseman
Trump nominates Derek Barrs as FMCSA Administrator
Just a few short weeks after announcing the appointment of Adrienne Camire as FMCSA's Acting Administrator, the Trump Administration has just announced the nomination of Derek Barrs to head the agency. Barrs formerly served as the Chief of the Florida Highway Patrol and was more recently appointed by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis to the Flagler County School Board. Barrs is also a member of the American Trucking Associations' Law Enforcement Advisory Board as well as the Florida Trucking Associa
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