Return to Issues & Policies > TCA Policies > TCA Policy Safety

Applicability of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations

The provisions of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations should be applicable to the operation of all commercial vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) of 10,001 pounds or more; to the operation of all vehicles transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placarding of the vehicle; and to the drivers of all such vehicles.Under provisions of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Acts of 1982 and 1984, the applicability of these regulations should be extended to the operations of such vehicles and drivers operating in intrastate commerce and enforced through the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP).

Rather than proposing changes in the applicability of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations which would create a potential degradation of safety, FMCSA is urged to direct its attention to affording relief from paperwork burdens and any another specific requirements which do not demonstrably improve safety.