FMCSA NEWS

FMCSA announces its decision to grant a limited five-year exemption to Aurora Operations, Inc. (Aurora) and other motor carriers operating Level 4 automated driving system (ADS)-equipped commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), with prior notice to FMCSA, from compliance with the warning device placement requirements, the steady-burning lamp requirements, and the requirements for the types and number of warning devices. This exemption permits motor carriers to use cab-mounted warning beacons in lieu of traditional warning devices on Level 4 ADS- equipped CMVs. The Agency has determined that granting the exemption would likely achieve a level of safety equivalent to or greater than the level of safety provided by the regulation.

FMCSA announces its decision to renew provisionally for one year an exemption to allow drivers with a commercial learner's permit (CLP) or commercial driver's license (CDL) issued by the State of Alaska, and their employers, to rely on a paper copy of the medical examiner's certificate (MEC) as proof of the driver's medical certification for up to 60 days after the MEC was issued. Alaska is the only State that has not implemented the Medical Examiner's Certification Integration (NRII) final rule. Drivers licensed in all other States and the District of Columbia, and their employers, may no longer rely on the paper MEC as proof of the driver's medical certification for any period of time as of October 12, 2026. The provisional exemption renewal for the State of Alaska is limited to one year.

Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Hours of Service of Drivers; Pilot Program to Allow Commercial Drivers to Split Sleeper Berth Time

In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announces its plan to submit the Information Collection Request (ICR) described below to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval and invites public comment. This notice invites comments on a proposed information collection titled Hours of Service of Drivers: Pilot Program to Allow Commercial Drivers to Split Sleeper Berth Time. This research study will collect data on commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers to examine whether more-flexible sleeper berth (FSB) options improve the working conditions and quality of life of America's truck drivers and result in an equivalent or greater level of safety relative to operations under the current regulations. Approximately 256 CMV drivers will provide data in the study. The study will provide FMCSA with data to examine driver fatigue and driving performance while operating under current hours of service (HOS) regulations and while operating under FSB exemptions.

Agency Information Collection Activities; Proposals, Submissions, and Approvals: Pilot Program to Allow Commercial Drivers to Pause Their 14-Hour Driving Window