05/28/2025
FMCSA Proposes 18 Rule Changes for Trucking Industry in 2025
The FMCSA is rolling out 18 proposed rule changes designed to make regulatory compliance easier for truck drivers and carriers. Here’s what you need to know:
• Self-Reporting Requirement Eliminated: CDL holders will no longer need to self-report traffic violations to their state. With new electronic systems in place, violations will be shared directly between state licensing agencies.
• Streamlined Medical Certification: Starting June 23, 2025, medical exam results will be sent electronically from the FMCSA National Registry directly to state licensing agencies. Drivers won’t need to submit paper medical certificates, and carriers won’t have to verify medical examiners or keep paper copies.
• Military CDL Exemption Expanded: Dual-status military technicians in the Reserves or National Guard may qualify for military CDL training exemptions, reducing costs and streamlining hiring for veterans.
• Accident Reporting Clarified: The definition of “medical treatment” in accident reports will be updated. X-rays and similar imaging won’t count as treatment, and only those who receive actual medical intervention will be considered as having received “medical treatment”.
• Outdated Regulations Removed: References to “water carriers” will be eliminated, as FMCSA does not regulate them unless they also operate as motor carriers.
• Equipment and Safety Updates: Proposed changes cover auxiliary fuel tanks, brakes on portable conveyors, rear-impact guard labeling, fuel tank overfilling restrictions, license plate illumination, liquid-burning flares, retroreflective materials, tire load indicators, and spare fuses.
• Speed Limiter Rule Advancing: FMCSA is moving forward with a rule to require speed limiters on trucks over 26,000 lbs GVWR, with a proposed max speed of 68 MPH. This could take effect as soon as late 2025.
• Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB): New heavy trucks will be required to have AEB systems, with phased compliance deadlines based on vehicle weight class.
• MC Numbers Phased Out: By October 1, 2025, FMCSA will consolidate carrier identification under USDOT numbers, eliminating MC numbers to reduce fraud and streamline registration.
• Other Notable Changes: Enhanced English proficiency requirements for drivers, updated physical qualification standards for drivers with epilepsy, and an extension of the ELD exemption for pre-2000 engines until June 2025.
What’s Next?
The proposed rules will be open for public comment for 60 days. Carriers and drivers are encouraged to review the changes and prepare for compliance.
Stay tuned for more updates as these proposals move through the rulemaking process!