These criteria are important because there is strong prospective, randomized clinical-trial evidence that hypertension markedly increases the risk of cardiovascular disease and that effective treatment reduces cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. To be certified to drive, the driver should have ongoing hypertension management and be free of side effects that may impair safe driving.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

FMCSA issued this final rule to implement the "No Human Trafficking on Our Roads Act” (Pub. L. No 115-106), which prohibits an individual from operating a CMV for life if that individual uses a CMV in committing a felony involving a severe form of human trafficking. 

Section 33014 of the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21^st Century Act (MAP-21) required the Secretary of DOT to conduct a study of the HMSP program and identify actions that could be implemented to improve the program.  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) conducted that study and, in March 2014, reported back to Congress.  The policy is based on the FMCSA implementing two of the recommendations contained in the report.

Last Updated : July 29, 2015

Most intermodal containers are moved by chassis, but some specialized types (such as tanks in frames) could be transported on drop-deck or other trailers. If such trailers are tendered to transport intermodal containers, they are subject to the provisions of the rule.

Last Updated : April 7, 2014

The Agency views bridge strikes as a serious safety hazard resulting in injury and loss of life, damage to infrastructure, interruption of commerce, and delays in travel times. The FMCSA believes bridge strikes are avoidable through better awareness of route restrictions along travel paths gained by paying closer attention to road signs and by the use of only those electronic navigation systems intended for trucks and buses.

Last Updated : April 3, 2014

FMCSA believes the information concerning commercial vehicles crashing into bridges suggests that some drivers may have used electronic navigation systems intended for passenger car drivers rather than truck and bus drivers. The Agency is working with its State partners and industry to make sure professional truck and bus drivers recognize the importance of using navigation systems intended for commercial vehicles. These navigation systems provide truck and bus drivers with important route restrictions, such as low bridge overpasses.

Last Updated : April 3, 2014

The Federal Cybersecurity plan under White House Executive Order 14028, Improving the Nation’s Cybersecurity, and Office of Budget Memorandum M-22-09, Moving the U.S. Government Toward Zero Trust Cybersecurity Principles (Federal Zero Trust Strategy) requires all Federal agencies to adopt secure Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) to enhance information security by Dec. 31, 2023.

There were several compelling reasons for the rulemaking. Congress passed a law (49 U.S.C. 5109) which required FMCSA to have a permit program. In addition, as part of a settlement agreement with safety organizations, FMCSA agreed to publish a permitting rule by the end of June, 2004.

FMCSA also recognizes that a HM permitting program would produce safety and security benefits. FMCSA estimates that the rule will prevent 7 crashes of the regulated materials per year, saving approximately $3.6 million annually. In addition, increased security from the permit program reduces the chance these materials could be used in a terrorist attack.

Last Updated : April 14, 2014

FMCSA will implement a new identity verification process that is designed to protect customers’ data and ensure secure access to customers’ company information.  The goals of identity verification are to: 

• Verify legitimacy,  

• Mitigate fraud, 

• Enhance security, and 

• Protect sensitive data.  

We updated SAFER to clarify how information is displayed on the website. These updates include how the Company Snapshot defines the operating authority statuses in SAFER. The “NOT AUTHORIZED” message linked to the USDOT Number status resulted in misunderstandings about the statuses of entities. 

 The current operating authority statuses will now be correctly displayed in the Company Snapshot. Operating authority statuses are defined as the following: 

 Operating Authority Status 

•  AUTHORIZED FOR (Passenger, Property, Household Goods [HHG]): This will list the specific operating authorities the carrier (or broker) is allowed to operate. 

• NOT AUTHORIZED: The entity does not have any operating authority and/or is not authorized to engage in interstate, for-hire operations. 

• OUT-OF-SERVICE: Carrier is under any type of out-of-service order and is not authorized to operate. 

The FMCSA physical examination is required to help ensure that a person is medically qualified to safely operate a CMV. In the interest of public safety, CMV drivers are held to higher physical, mental and emotional standards than passenger car drivers.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

The “Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act” (MAP-21), which was effective October 1, 2012, includes statutory exemptions from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) that apply to agricultural transportation. The final rule revised the FMCSRs to conform to the MAP-21 requirements and required the States to adopt compatible exemptions within three years. Source: 78 FR 16189, March 14, 2013.

Last Updated : March 31, 2014

Yes. Beginning November 1, 2013, FMCSA is issuing a warning letter by mail to the address on file at least 30 days in advance of a biennial update deadline.

Pursuant to 49 CFR 387.307(a), a surety bond "for the full limits of liability prescribed" must be in effect before FMCSA will issue property broker or household goods broker operating authority. Riders/endorsements are a permissible means of complying with the new $75,000 financial responsibility requirement, provided that a new BMC–84 form for the full limits of liability is on file with FMCSA. Source: 78 FR 54720, Sept. 5, 2013.

Last Updated : May 8, 2014

No, at no time during the verification process (online or in-person) will FMCSA or our vendor store personally identifiable information (PII) that is collected during the process.  

No, FMCSA will only use the information provided for the purpose of verifying identities as part of the agency’s registration process.

Although the FMCSRs do not require the Medical Examiner to give a copy of the Medical Examination Report to the employer, the FMCSA does not prohibit employers from obtaining copies of the medical examination form (long form). Medical Examiners should have a release form signed by the driver if the employer wishes to obtain a copy of the medical examination form (long form).

Employers must comply with applicable State and Federal laws regarding the privacy and maintenance of employee medical information. For information about the provisions of the Standards for Privacy of Individually Identifiable Health Information (the Privacy Rule) that was mandated by the Health Insurance Portability & Accountability Act of 1996 (HIPAA) (Public Law 104-191), contact the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services at the HIPAA Web site of the Office of Civil Rights. Their toll-free information line is: 1-866-627-7748.

Last Updated : April 1, 2014

Beginning April 2025, FMCSA will incorporate the identity verification process within the Unified Registration System (URS). New applicants will complete the identity verification process at the end of the application process. 

Starting at a later date, all existing customers will be required to go through an identity verification process when completing any update to their company records. A designated timeframe will be established for compliance by existing registrants.  

Yes, third parties who apply for a new registration on behalf of a company will be required to pass the identity verification process due to the fact they are submitting an application.