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DOT: Proposed speed limiter mandate, rule on driver drug and alcohol clearinghouse expected in February

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Updated Jan 20, 2016

5. FMCSA announces intent to produce speed limiter ruleThe Department of Transportation, in its monthly regulatory update, gave its first update since November on a rulemaking to require speed limiters on heavy trucks, now projecting the rule to be published next month. The proposed rule, a joint effort from FMCSA and another DOT agency, has been stuck in the White House’s Office of Management and Budget since May 2015.

The DOT now projects the rule that would mandate use of speed limiters on heavy trucks to be published Feb. 15.  This rule could require governors on all trucks weighing over 27,000 pounds.

A proposed rule to flesh out minimum standards for entry-level driver training  is projected to clear OMB on Feb. 3, according to the update. The exact language of the rule is unknown until it’s published, but the rule will set minimum driver training requirements, likely including minimum behind-the-wheel training time and more.

A Final Rule to implement the CDL Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is projected to be published next month, too. The rule will establish a database of CDL holders that have failed or refused a drug test and requires carriers to upload this information to FMCSA at least annually. It would also require carriers to query the database when hiring drivers.

The DOT also projects a pre-rule dealing with sleep apnea to clear OMB on Jan. 22. The pre-rule would allow for data collection on how many truck operators have obstructive sleep apnea and what impact a sleep apnea rule could have on the industry.­­