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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
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 FMCSA-BOR-HOS-ELD-395-FAQ003-RESCINDED Cross Border Transportation ELDs
Medical Qualification FAQ – FOREIGN Medical certificate – FAQ2 FMCSA-BOR-MED-Medical Certficate-FAQ002 : Medical qualifications requirement for foreign-domiciled motor carriers.
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
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
A driver with residence in Mexico drives for a U.S. company. Does that driver need a state-issued commercial driver’s license? FMCSA-BOR-CDL-383-FAQ002 Cross-border commercial and non-Commercial Driver License Requirements
What proof must a Canadian commercial driver possess to reflect a driver is qualified to transport hazardous materials (HM) in the United States? FMCSA-BOR-CDL-383-FAQ007 Commercial and non-Commercial Driver License Requirements.
Are Canadian Armed Forces exempt from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), including the ELD requirements, if they have proper documentation when operating in the United States? FMCSA-HOS-ELD-395-FAQ71 ELD requirements for foreign-domiciled motor carriers.
How do I change the type of authority I have (for Mexico-domiciled carriers)? FMCSA-BOR-REG-FAQ006 Registration requirement for Mexico-domiciled motor carriers