The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has announced two final rules set to take effect on Friday, May 30, 2025. These actions are part of a broader deregulatory initiative launched under the Trump administration, aimed at eliminating outdated or unlawful provisions within the agency’s regulations.
What’s Changing?
The two rules that take immediate effect include:
- Repeal of For-Hire Carrier Routing Regulations
FMCSA is eliminating 49 CFR Part 356, a set of rules originally designed to control the routes that for-hire motor carriers must take when servicing specific municipalities or unincorporated areas. These regulations were a holdover from the now-defunct Interstate Commerce Commission (ICC), whose responsibilities were transferred to the Federal Highway Administration in 1995 and later absorbed by FMCSA in 2000.
According to FMCSA, it no longer has the legal authority to enforce routing limitations as part of operating authority for U.S.-domiciled motor carriers. The agency declared these routing rules not only obsolete but also unlawful, leading to their full removal. This change eliminates any lingering confusion about permitted operating routes for carriers. - Amendment of Civil Penalty References in the FMCSRs
The second update involves cleaning up a reference error in FMCSA’s civil penalty guidelines found in 49 CFR Part 386 Appendix B(a)(1). The original text included a reference to 49 CFR Part 40, which outlines the Department of Transportation’s drug and alcohol testing procedures. However, FMCSA does not administer Part 40 directly. Instead, the agency enforces drug and alcohol testing requirements through its own set of rules—Part 382 of the FMCSRs.
FMCSA admitted the reference to Part 40 was made in error during a 2005 update. The correction now removes this faulty reference to clarify that any penalties for violations will continue to be enforced under the already-cited Part 382. This change is intended to avoid confusion and ensure enforcement remains consistent and legally accurate.
Why This Matters
These updates are significant for motor carriers, especially those managing regulatory compliance operations. The repeal of the routing regulations helps clarify the scope of FMCSA’s authority, giving carriers more operational flexibility without the risk of violating an outdated rule. Meanwhile, the civil penalty clarification ensures that violations related to drug and alcohol testing will continue to be assessed under the correct legal framework—Part 382.
These adjustments align with FMCSA’s ongoing efforts to simplify compliance procedures, reduce administrative burdens, and ensure that enforcement is focused solely on applicable and enforceable laws. Trucking professionals and carriers should review these rule changes closely to understand their impact on current and future operations.
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