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
Trump cracks down on English-proficiency among truck drivers in new executive order
On April 28, 2025, President Donald J. Trump signed an Executive Order titled “Enforcing Commonsense Rules of the Road for America’s Truck Drivers." For trucking companies, drivers, and safety professionals, the order represents a significant shift in federal policy, particularly in its rigorous enforcement of English proficiency requirements for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators. In this article, we summarize the executive order, explore its implications, and provide historical context,
Brandon Wiseman
Arkansas enacts new English proficiency law
On April 14, 2025, Arkansas passed Act 604 into law, a sweeping piece of legislation that reshapes the landscape for commercial driver’s license holders operating within the state. The law introduces rigorous requirements aimed at ensuring safety and compliance on Arkansas highways. It mandates that drivers with foreign commercial driver’s licenses possess valid U.S. work authorization, demonstrate proficiency in the English language, and face stiff penalties for presenting fraudulent licenses.
Brandon Wiseman
FMCSA to void over 15,000 driver med cards and remove non-compliant medical examiners from National Registry
On April 11, 2025, the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT), through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), has proposed the removal of two Houston-area medical examiners from the National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners (NRCME) for failure to properly perform physical qualification exams required for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. This move, which impacts over 15,000 drivers, underscores the agency’s commitment to ensuring only qualified professionals par
Brandon Wiseman
SCOTUS opens the door for truckers to sue over mislabeled CBD products
On April 2, 2025, the U.S. Supreme Court issued a 5-4 decision in Medical Marijuana, Inc. v. Horn, an important case with implications for regulated trucking. The Court ruled that a commercial truck driver could seek treble damages under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO) for financial losses (i.e., being out of a job) resulting from a mislabeled CBD product that led to a positive drug test and his termination.NEW Supreme Court ruling on CBD & truckers | What drivers n
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
Brandon Wiseman
Adrienne Camire appointed as new FMCSA Acting Administrator
The U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) has appointed Adrienne Camire as the new Deputy Administrator and Acting Administrator of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). In this role, Ms. Camire will oversee FMCSA’s mission to enhance commercial motor vehicle safety, improve the efficiency of the nation’s freight and passenger transportation systems, and implement regulatory oversight.Unlike a Senate-confirmed Administrator, an Acting Administrator serves in a temporary ca
Brandon Wiseman
U.S. Senate confirms Sean Duffy as Secretary of Transportation
On January 28, 2025, the U.S. Senate confirmed Sean Duffy as the new Secretary of Transportation, marking a significant appointment in President Donald Trump’s administration. Duffy, a former U.S. Representative from Wisconsin, brings a diverse background to the role, encompassing law, politics, media, and even reality television. His confirmation has garnered attention across various sectors, particularly within the trucking industry.Duffy's BackgroundBorn on October 3, 1971, in Hayward, Wiscon
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