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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
After the FMCSA receives my application, what will happen next? FMCSA-BOR-MX LONG-HAUL-FAQ005 Mexico-domiciled motor carrier long haul operations
Can a Canada/Mexico-domiciled motor carrier’s driver use a portable ELD unit, smartphone, or other wireless device as an ELD when operating in the United States (U.S.)? FMCSA-HOS-ELD-TECH-395-FAQ74(2018-03-05)-CORR1 ELD requirements for foreign-domiciled motor carriers
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
Medical Qualification FAQ – FOREIGN Medical certificate – FAQ2 FMCSA-BOR-MED-Medical Certficate-FAQ002 : Medical qualifications requirement for foreign-domiciled motor carriers.
What forms should a Mexico-domiciled carrier complete to apply for a US DOT Number and operating authority registration so that they can operate within or long-haul beyond the U.S.-Mexico municipalities and commercial zones along the U.S-Mexico border? FMCSA-BOR-REG-FAQ002 Registration requirement for Mexico-domiciled motor carriers
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
Must a Canada or Mexico domiciled motor carrier use an ELD that (1) meets the U.S technical specifications and (2) is self-certified and registered with FMCSA to present hours of service when operating in the U.S.? FMCSA-BOR-HOS-ELD-395-FAQ003-RESCINDED Cross Border Transportation ELDs
What is the restriction identified on a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for a U.S. driver when they are not permitted to operate in the Canada for medical reasons? FMCSA-BOR-CDL-383-FAQ004 Cross-border CDL requirements
How does the “8 days within a 30-day period” ELD Exemption apply to Canada/Mexico domiciled motor carrier’s drivers when they are operating in the United States? FMCSA-BOR-HOS-ELD-395-FAQ006 Cross Border Transportation ELDs
I have a bus company in Mexico and I want to provide service to all areas in California and to Las Vegas, NV. Do I need Operating Authority, and how long will it take to get it? FMCSA-BOR-REG-FAQ007 Registration requirement for Mexico-domiciled motor carriers