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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
Question 4: Is computerized recordkeeping of CMV inspection and maintenance information permissible under § 396.3 of the FMCSRs? FMCSA-VM-396.3-Q004 Vehicle inspection, repair and maintenance
When must a driver complete the signature/certification of the driver’s record of duty status? FMCSA-HOS-395.8-Q24 certification of RODS
Question 5: Where must vehicle inspection and maintenance records be retained if a vehicle is not housed or maintained at a single location? FMCSA-VM-396.3-Q005 Vehicle inspection, repair and maintenance
Is a driver (United States or foreign) required to maintain a record of duty status (log book) in a foreign country before entering the U.S.? FMCSA-HOS-395.8-Q25 RODS requirement in foreign country prior to entering the US
Question 2: § 396.3(b)(4) refers to a record of tests. What tests are required of push-out windows and emergency door lamps on buses? FMCSA-VM-396.3Q002 Vehicle inspection, repair and maintenance
Question 1: Under what conditions may a vehicle that has been placed ‘‘out of service’’ under § 396.3 be moved? FMCSA-VM-396.9-Q001 Vehicle inspections
Question 2: Is it the intent of § 396.9 to allow "out of service" vehicles to be towed? FMCSA-VM-396.9-Q002 Vehicle inspections
May a driver operate any motor vehicle, at the direction of the motor carrier, after being placed out of service for an hours of service violation? FMCSA-HOS-395.13-Q01 operation of motor vehicles when declared Out-of-Service
May a driver operating a CMV under a lease arrangement with a motor carrier, after being placed out of service for an hours of service violation, cancel the lease and continue to operate the vehicle as a private personal conveyance? FMCSA-HOS-395.13-Q02 Lease arrangements and out of service declarations
Can a for-hire motor carrier located in Canada transport farm supplies and/or equipment for agricultural purposes to a location in the U.S. without having to comply with Part 395? FMCSA-HOS-AG-395.1-FAQ32 Hours of Service Agricultural Commodities