Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued an interim final rule requiring states and state law enforcement personnel to place interstate motor carriers out of service and assess appropriate state penalties for not properly registering with the FMCSA as for-hire carriers. Motor carriers placed out of service may have a hearing within 10 days of the order to contest the charge.
The interim final rule requires all states, as a condition of receiving Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) funds, to place out of service any vehicles discovered operating without registration or proper operating authority. MCSAP funds provide states with money for roadside inspections and safety programs under federal grants. The interim final rule responds to requirements of the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999, which requires the FMCSA to enforce motor carrier registration requirements and assess penalties for noncompliance.
The interim final rule took effect Sept. 27, but FMCSA is accepting comments until Oct. 28. For a copy of the interim final rule, visit this site and search Docket No. 13015.
