Regulatory Guidance
Welcome to the FMCSA Guidance Portal. This web portal is a searchable, indexed database that contains and links to all guidance documents in effect from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration. The guidance documents lack the force and effect of law, unless expressly authorized by statute or incorporated into a contract.
To comment on any guidance document, or to request issuance, reconsideration, modification, or rescission of any guidance document, please identify the guidance document in your request and send it to: FMCSAguidance@dot.gov. NOTE: The FMCSAguidance mailbox is not intended to serve as a mailbox for general inquiries. For inquiries that go beyond the limited purpose of the FMCSAguidance mailbox, please call FMCSA's Information Line (800-832-5660) or visit FMCSA's "Contact Us" page to send your inquiry to the appropriate mailbox.
| Subject | Agency Identifier | Topic | Issued Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is there a minimum number of fasteners required to fasten the upper fifth wheel plate to the frame of a trailer? | FMCSA-VEH-393.70-Q01 | Securing upper fifth wheel plate to trailer frame | |
| When two safety chains are used, must the ultimate combined breaking strength of each chain be equal to the gross weight of the towed vehicle(s) or would the requirements be met if the combined breaking strength of the two chains is equal to the gross wei | FMCSA-VEH-393.70-Q02 | Required strength of safety chains | |
| Section 393.70(d) requires that every full trailer must be coupled to the frame | FMCSA-VEH-393.70-Q03 | Two sets of safety chains attached to draw bar |