July 29, 1998

On July 13, 1998, the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) announced the extension of the application period for the Motor Carrier Regulatory Relief and Safety Demonstration Project (published in the Federal Register on June 10, 1997). The agency also is seeking public comment on proposed modifications to the entry criteria and reporting requirements of the project.

This notice proposes to provide additional incentives to participating motor carriers without adversely affecting highway safety. Interstate motor carriers operating commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating between 10,001 and 26,000 pounds may qualify for exemptions from certain portions of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations if they exhibit exemplary safety records. Motor carriers participating in the project would have the opportunity to demonstrate they can maintain or improve their safety records when given greater latitude to select the means of attaining their safety performance. The FHWA is seeking comments from all interested parties regarding these project modifications -- particularly comments that may help the FHWA provide substantive industry incentives while maintaining the highest degree of safety. Comments to this notice (rulemaking docket number FHWA-97-2287; MC-96-40) are due on or before August 12, 1998.

Internet users can view all comments received by the U.S. DOT Dockets, Room PL-401, by accessing the Motor Carrier Regulatory Web site at http://mchs.fhwa.dot.gov/rulesregs/fmcsrhome.htm. A copy of the entire notice also can be obtained from this Web site.

If your publication would like more information on this rulemaking, please call our media relations contact, Janet Kumer, at 202-366-0079.

Sincerely yours,

George L. Reagle
Associate Administrator for Motor Carriers