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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
A motor carrier relieves a driver from duty. What is a suitable facility for resting? FMCSA-HOS-395.2-Q22 Hours of Service Definitions
How many times may a motor carrier relieve a driver from duty within a tour of duty? FMCSA-HOS-395.2-Q23 Hours of Service Definitions
If a driver is transported by automobile from the point of a breakdown to a terminal, and then dispatched on another run, how is the time spent in the automobile entered on the record of duty status? FMCSA-HOS-395.2-Q24 Hours of Service Definitions
When a driver experiences a delay on an impassable highway, should the time he/she is delayed be entered on the record of duty status as driving time or on-duty (not driving)? FMCSA-HOS-395.2-Q25 Hours of Service Definitions
Is time spent operating controls in a CMV to perform an auxiliary, non-driving function (e.g., lifting a loaded container, compacting waste, etc.) considered driving time? FMCSA-HOS-395.2-Q26 Hours of Service Definitions
How should the time spent when drivers volunteer as firefighters be logged on the record of duty status when the drivers return to work? FMCSA-HOS-395.2-Q27 Hours of Service Definitions
How should time spent at National Guard meetings and training sessions be recorded for the hours of service requirements? FMCSA-HOS-395.2-Q28 Hours of Service Definitions
Does § 393.41 prohibit air brake systems from being equipped with a means to release the spring brakes for purposes of towing disabled vehicles in emergency situations? FMCSA-VEH-393.41-Q02 Releasing spring brakes for towing
May a motor carrier switch from a 60-hour/7-day limit to a 70-hour/8-day limit or vice versa? FMCSA-HOS-395.3-Q01 Hours of Service Maximum Driving Time
Do retractable or lift axles have to be equipped with brakes? FMCSA-VEH-393.42-Q01 Must lift axles have brakes?