Speed limiters, CDL updates included in FMCSA rulemaking process

PEORIA, Ill. — The rules are the rules, but the federal rulemaking process can be confusing for those who are most impacted by the final results of that process.

Winsome Lenfert, the regional field administrator for the Midwest region for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, gave an update on several rules that will impact the U.S. commercial motor carrier industry, including drivers and owner and operators.

Lenfert was the keynote speaker at the opening session of the 2024 Midwest Truck and Trailer Show.

It was new territory for Lenfert, an Indiana native, who previously worked for the Federal Aviation Administration.

“We’ve got a lot of things going on,” she said.

According to the Federal Register, which can be accessed at www.federalregister.gov, “all proposed rules must be published in the Federal Register to notify the public and to give them an opportunity to submit comments.”

Amendments of the Commercial Drivers License Requirements: The rule would “increase flexibility for testing and drivers after passing skills tests.” The proposed change to the existing rule is in notice of proposed rulemaking.

The NPRM is the official document that explains an agency’s plan to address a problem or accomplish a goal, according to the Federal Register.

Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to Place Speed Limiters on Certain Commercial Vehicles: “I know this one is highly controversial,” Lenfert said.

She said that after the Office of Management and Budget completes its review of the proposal, the FMCSA will publish a proposal in the Federal Register for public review and so the public can submit comments.

“There are a lot of people who have a lot of different ideas. You’ll have the opportunity to comment on this,” she said.

Heavy Vehicle Automated Braking/Emergency Braking/AB Test Devices: “This rule is in response to the bipartisan infrastructure law that mandates motor carrier safety regulations featuring AB systems,” Lenfert said.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration “is leading the final rule in conjunction with the FMCSA to require commercial motor vehicles to be equipped with automated braking. The final rule is at the department under consideration, so we are still reviewing this.”