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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
My certificate of registration says I can carry exempt commodities. What are exempt commodities? FMCSA-BOR-MX-FAQ002 Registration requirement for Mexico-domiciled motor carriers
What insurance and proof of financial responsibility do I need to operate in the U.S.? FMCSA-BOR-MX-FAQ003 Insurance requirement for Mexico-domiciled motor carriers
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 FMCSA-BOR-HOS-ELD-395-FAQ003-RESCINDED Cross Border Transportation ELDs
Must the files that I maintain in order to comply with the FMCSRs be in English? FMCSA-BOR-MX-FAQ004 Recordkeeping requirement for Mexico-domiciled motor carriers
My trucks have both Mexico and U.S. license plates. Can I put my MX Number and my MC Number on the same truck? FMCSA-BOR-MX-FAQ005 Vehicle marking requirement for Mexico-domiciled motor carriers
What must a Canada/Mexico domiciled motor carrier’s driver do if an ELD malfunction prevents presenting HOS to a safety official at roadside by electronic data transfer, display screen or printout? FMCSA-BOR-HOS-ELD-395-FAQ004 Cross Border Transportation ELDs
Does a Mexico-domiciled motor carrier need a US DOT number and/or operating authority if they are crossing the U.S. border in a pick-up truck (small van, car or tow truck etc.) for an occasional trip to deliver goods and only traveling one or two miles FMCSA-BOR-REG-FAQ001 Registration requirement for Mexico-domiciled motor carriers
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
Which foreign country’s Commercial Licenses are reciprocally recognized for operating a CMV in the United States? FMCSA-BOR-CDL-383-FAQ001 Cross-border commercial and non-Commercial Driver License Requirements
Medical Qualification FAQ – Waivers – Q1 FMCSA-BOR-MED-DRV-WAIVER-FAQ001 Medical qualifications requirement for foreign-domiciled motor carriers.