Trucking regulation
What a federal rule for carriers and drivers says, since when, and where to read it. Every story links to the text the U.S. Government publishes.
. Notice, published September 30, 2026
FMCSA provisionally renewed two exemptions for Cleveland-Cliffs Steel LLC's steel plant in East Chicago, Indiana, and combined them into one, effective September 23, 2026, through March 23, 2027, unless revoked earlier. The relief is limited to that company's drivers and vehicles. Comments are due by October 30, 2026.
. Notice, published October 9, 2026
FMCSA granted Aurora Operations and other motor carriers that operate commercial motor vehicles with a Level 4 automated driving system, with prior notice to the agency, an exemption to use cab-mounted warning beacons instead of warning triangles or fusees. It is effective October 7, 2026 and expires October 7, 2031.
. Notice, published October 20, 2026
Grote Industries asked FMCSA to exempt motor carriers from the requirement that exterior lamps on commercial motor vehicles be steady-burning, so they can use its rear-end collision warning lamps. Grote has since clarified how the lamps work, and FMCSA is taking comments on that new information until November 19, 2026. FMCSA has not decided.
. Notice, published September 30, 2026
On September 30, 2026, FMCSA denied an application that asked to let drivers record their records of duty status by hand instead of with an electronic logging device. The decision is final, and no exemption was granted.
. Proposed rule, published August 10, 2026
Since June 25, 2025, a driver who doesn't meet the federal English proficiency requirement can be placed out of service at a roadside inspection. FMCSA has proposed writing that into the regulations. The rule is not final.
