2025 FMCSA Updates

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is set to implement several significant changes and proposed updates in 2025 that will impact the trucking industry:

New Registration System

Elimination of MC Numbers

Starting October 1, 2025, the FMCSA will eliminate the use of Motor Carrier (MC) numbers, transitioning to USDOT numbers as the sole identifier for motor carriers.

Streamlined Identification

Operating authority registrants will receive a suffix added to their USDOT number to designate each type of authority granted, rather than being issued a separate MC or FF Docket Number.

Potential Reduction in Random Drug Testing Rate

If positive drug test results fall below 1% for two consecutive years (2022 and 2023), the

FMCSA may reduce the random drug testing rate from 50% to 25% in 2025.

Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse

Drivers with a prohibited status in the Clearinghouse will lose or be denied their state-issued commercial driving privileges. To regain their ability to drive, they must complete the FMCSA's return-to-duty process, which includes education, treatment, and a return-to-duty test.

Oral Fluid Samples for Drug Testing

On May 2, 2023, the DOT issued a final rule permitting the use of oral fluid samples (saliva) for drug testing across all modes of transportation. The Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) has determined that oral fluid testing is as reliable as urine testing. However, all oral fluid collections must be directly observed.

This rule cannot be implemented until the DHHS certifies at least two laboratories for oral fluid testing—one for the initial test and another for the split sample. While no official deadline for certification has been set, it is expected soon.

Hair Samples for Drug Testing

On December 23, 2022, the FMCSA denied a request for an exemption to use hair samples as an alternative to urine testing in DOT-regulated drug tests. The exemption would have allowed carriers to report positive results to the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH).

Although hair testing is considered more accurate and yields more positive results, the exemption was denied because the DHHS has not finalized its guidelines for hair testing in federal programs. Proposed guidelines were published in September 2020, and final procedures are expected soon, though no deadline has been provided.

Safety Regulations and Technology Implementation

Speed Limiter Mandate

On May 4, 2023, the FMCSA issued an Advance Supplemental Notice of Proposed Rulemaking regarding speed-limiting devices for motor carriers operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds or more.

The proposed rule would require vehicles equipped with an electronic engine control unit (ECU) capable of speed governance to maintain a speed limit set by the rulemaking for the service life of the vehicle. A final decision is expected by May 2025, with the regulated speed likely falling between 65–70 mph.

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Rulemaking

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) has finalized a new Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard requiring automatic emergency braking (AEB), including pedestrian AEB, on all passenger cars and light trucks by September 2029.

NHTSA and the FMCSA have conducted a national campaign to promote education, awareness, and data collection. This includes training for fleets, drivers, and maintenance personnel on AEB technology for commercial trucks.

The FMCSA’s proposed rule will establish performance standards, maintenance requirements, and test procedures for AEB systems on heavy trucks, to be used in NHTSA compliance testing.

Automated Driving Systems (ADS) Rulemaking

The FMCSA plans to issue a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking in Q2 2024 to amend safety regulations to support the safe integration of ADS-equipped CMVs on public roads.

The proposed updates will cover CMV operations, inspections, repairs, and maintenance, and will distinguish between human operators and ADS technology. Since 2017, FMCSA has held listening sessions and published a 2018 request for public comments on regulatory barriers to ADS deployment.

There is a recognized need for federal oversight to avoid conflicting state regulations that could hinder ADS development.

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Requirements

The ELD compliance requirement for pre-2000 engines has been postponed until June 2025.

Other Important Updates

DOT Physical Regulations

Drivers must have 20/40 vision in each eye, with or without corrective lenses. They must also be able to hear a forced whisper from five feet or less, with or without a hearing aid, using the better ear.

Civil Penalty Adjustments

The FMCSA has published a final rule to adjust civil penalty amounts for 2025, as prescribed by statute, for violations of certain DOT regulations.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Correction

FMCSA will not take enforcement action against regulated entities for non-compliance with the final rule and correction titled "Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations; Correction" until March 20, 2025.

Safety Fitness Determination Rulemaking

In August 2023, the FMCSA issued an Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking seeking input on how to better use data and resources to identify and remove unfit motor carriers from operation.

The agency is exploring improvements to how it uses safety data (including inspection data), possible changes to the current three-tier safety fitness rating structure, and updates to the list of regulations used in its safety fitness methodology. A Notice of Proposed Rulemaking is planned for June 2025.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) has scheduled Operation Safe Driver Week for July 13–19, 2025. According to CVSA, this initiative is a safe-driving awareness and

outreach campaign aimed at improving driving behaviors among both passenger vehicle drivers and commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. It achieves this through a combination of education, traffic enforcement, and interactions with law enforcement personnel.

This year, Operation Safe Driver Week will focus on two key areas: tractor protection systems and alcohol and controlled substance possession. The goal of the initiative is to reduce crashes on North American roadways by promoting safer driving habits and fostering a culture of responsibility behind the wheel.

During the week, law enforcement agencies will actively monitor and enforce traffic laws, particularly targeting unsafe driving behaviors that contribute to accidents and collisions. These behaviors include reckless, careless, or otherwise dangerous driving.

Operation Safe Driver Week is a collaborative effort involving the CVSA, FMCSA, state and local law enforcement agencies, and industry leaders across Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) International Roadcheck is scheduled for May 13–15. International Roadcheck is a high-visibility, high-volume commercial motor vehicle inspection and regulatory compliance enforcement initiative that takes place over three days in Canada, Mexico, and the United States.

CVSA-certified law enforcement personnel will inspect commercial motor vehicles and drivers at weigh/inspection stations, temporary sites, and through mobile patrols to verify compliance with federal, state, provincial, or territorial regulations. Data collected during the 72-hour Roadcheck period will be compiled and the results released later this summer.

Each year, International Roadcheck places special emphasis on a specific category of violations. For 2025, there are two focus areas:

• Tractor protection systems

• Alcohol and controlled substance possession

Controlled substance and alcohol possession/use remains a significant concern for motor carriers, drivers, and the public. The number of prohibited drivers listed in the U.S. Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse (DACH) continues to increase. This concerning trend poses a serious threat to all motorists on North American roadways.

During the three-day initiative, inspectors will conduct the North American Standard Level I Inspection, which is a comprehensive 37-step procedure. This includes an in-depth examination of vehicle components as well as driver documentation and regulatory requirements.