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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
What happens if cellular network limitations prevent an ELD from transferring data during a U.S. roadside inspection for a Canada/Mexico domiciled motor carrier’s driver? FMCSA-BOR-HOS-ELD-395-FAQ001 Cross Border Transportation ELDs
After the FMCSA receives my application, what will happen next? FMCSA-BOR-MX LONG-HAUL-FAQ005 Mexico-domiciled motor carrier long haul operations
What is the difference between provisional operating authority registration and standard operating authority registration granted to Mexico-domiciled motor carriers to operate beyond the U.S.-Mexico border commercial zones and municipalities? FMCSA-BOR-MX LONG-HAUL-FAQ004 Mexico-domiciled motor carrier long haul operations
Are there prohibitions, special terms and restrictions to “long haul” operating authority? FMCSA-BOR-MX LONG-HAUL-FAQ003 Mexico-domiciled motor carrier long haul operations
Do Canada and the United States have similar HOS regulations regarding 30-minute break periods? FMCSA-BOR-HOS-395-FAQ009 Cross-border hours-of-service requirements
What transportation does “long-haul” operating authority permit a Mexico-domiciled motor carrier to perform? FMCSA-BOR-MX LONG-HAUL-FAQ002 Mexico-domiciled motor carrier long haul operations
Are there HOS regulations in the United States or Mexico that allow a driver to reset a maximum duty time period? FMCSA-BOR-HOS-395-FAQ007 Cross-border hours-of-service requirements
What is the restriction identified on a Canadian Commercial License for a Canadian driver when they are not permitted to operate in the United States for medical reasons? FMCSA-BOR-CDL-383-FAQ003 Cross-border commercial and non-Commercial Driver License Requirements
Can a U.S. company lease its equipment to a Mexico-domiciled company for operations in the United States? FMCSA-BOR-LEASING-376-FAQ003 Leasing requirement for Mexico-domiciled motor carriers
For drivers transporting property, are there differences between Canadian and U.S. HOS regulations for driving after on-duty time? FMCSA-BOR-HOS-395-FAQ008 Cross-border hours-of-service requirements