USA Banner

Official US Government Icon

Official websites use .gov
A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure Site Icon

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Portions of the Department of Transportation are currently in shutdown/furlough status due to a lapse in appropriations. Please continue to monitor this page for updates on DOT’s operating status.
U.S. Department of Transportation U.S. Department of Transportation Icon United States Department of Transportation United States Department of Transportation

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 FMCSA completes a PASA and the applicant has passed the PASA, what will happen next? FMCSA-BOR-MX LONG-HAUL-FAQ006
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
Can a Mexico-domiciled carrier lease its equipment to another Mexico-domiciled company for operations in the United States? FMCSA-BOR-LEASING-376-FAQ002 Leasing requirement for Mexico-domiciled motor carriers
If a Canada/Mexico domiciled motor carrier’s vehicle registration for a CMV reflects a model year of 2000 or newer, but the engine plate or documentation from the manufacturer indicates that the engine is older than model year 2000, is the CMV exempt from FMCSA-BOR-HOS-ELD-395-FAQ011 Cross Border Transportation ELDs
When a Canada/Mexico-domiciled motor carrier’s driver is operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) and is stopped for an inspection in the United States (U.S.), how must the driver verify hours of service (HOS) compliance if required to use an ELD? FMCSA-BOR-HOS-ELD-395-FAQ012(2018-03-05)-CORR1 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
May a Mexico-domiciled carrier lease its equipment to a U.S. company for operations in the United States? FMCSA-BOR-LEASING-376-FAQ001 Leasing requirement for Mexico-domiciled motor carriers
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
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