It’s almost spring, which means two things: most of us can look forward to warmer weather and inspection season is almost upon us.
In preparation for the first major enforcement event of 2022, the CVSA has announced both the dates and focus of International Roadcheck. This year’s safety blitz will take place from May 17-May 19 with a focus on wheel ends. According to prior year Roadcheck data, wheel ends have been a top 10 vehicle violation.
On the regulation front, the industry saw a few big updates this month. First, was the launch of the Training Provider Registry, which went into effect on February 7. The Under 21 Apprenticeship program is also underway with the FMCSA starting to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of drivers between the ages of 18 and 21 in interstate commerce. This, along with the new Women in Trucking Initiative, is designed to lessen the impact of the driver shortage and increase diversity among drivers.
There were also a few big updates to the Significant Rulemaking Report, with dates now associated with the new Safety Fitness Procedures rulemaking and the automated driving rulemaking.
The Safety Fitness Procedures rulemaking is designed to remove unfit drivers from the road, with the possibility of changes to the current three-tier safety rating structure. This process would include a full review of the current regulations the FMCSA uses in its current rating system. The advanced notice of proposed rulemaking is due by May 24, 2022.
The Safe Integration of Automated Driving Systems Rulemaking proposes to “amend certain Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations to ensure the safe introduction of automation driving systems (ADS)-equipped commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) on the nation’s roadways.” The notice of proposed rulemaking is due by November 23, 2022.
What else is happening in the FMCSA? You can check out the full Significant Rulemaking Report here.