Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Overview
By FindLaw Staff | Legally reviewed by Garrett Monteagudo, Esq. | Last reviewed January 13, 2023
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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) was established within the Department of Transportation (DOT) in 2000. Established under federal law, it was tasked with preventing serious injuries and deaths related to commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).
CMVs tend to be much heavier, haul heavy loads, carry multiple passengers, or otherwise present elevated risks of injury. As a result, they require special regulations. They are related to "common carriers," such as commercial airplanes or subways. Like those common carriers, CMVs are used for commerce. However, they differ because they are not directly available to the general public.
The FMCSA is responsible for the following:
- Drafting and enforcing CMV safety regulations
- Keeping high-risk carriers and drivers off the roads
- Improving access to safety information and new technologies
- Increasing awareness about safety.
This article provides an overview of the FMCSA and its main functions.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at a Glance
The FMCSA's primary mission is to reduce collisions, injuries, and deaths relating to large trucks and buses. The agency achieves this goal mainly through the following:
- Research
- Investigation of crashes
- Enforcement of regulations
- Compliance audits for drivers and trucking companies
For example, the FMCSA started a National Registry of Certified Medical Examiners in 2014. Under this registry, physicians evaluating interstate CMV drivers must complete specialized training. The agency also has done extensive research into driver fatigue. It has done so by issuing "hours of service" regulations that are intended to provide drivers with sufficient rest periods and time off. The agency has field offices throughout the country that can take your questions about FMCSA regulations.
Compliance, Safety, Accountability
The Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) program of the FMCSA provides compliance audits and maintains an enforcement system for keeping problem drivers off the roads. Specifically, the CSA program is divided into seven areas of focus:
- Unsafe Driving, examples of which are lack of seat belts or improper lane changes
- Crash Indicator, which can be determined by frequency of crashes, for example
- Hours-of-Service Compliance, an example of which is a rule concerning driver fatigue
- Vehicle Maintenance, which can stipulate penalties for failing to make required repairs
- Alcohol and Drugs
- Hazardous Materials Compliance
- Driver Fitness, examples of which are licensure or medical issues
In addition, the FMCSA provides an online complaint form for members of the public to call with any safety, service, or discrimination issues with a CMV.
How are Commercial Motor Vehicles Defined?
Generally, CMVs are those used for business purposes, such as chartered buses, large delivery trucks, and 18-wheel semis. Commercial vehicle drivers are required to carry a commercial driver's license, which is more restrictive than a basic driver's license. For example, most states have adopted FMCSA guidance by setting the blood-alcohol limit for commercial drivers at 0.04 percent.
The DOT defines "commercial motor vehicle" as a vehicle (or a combination of vehicles) "used in commerce to transport passengers or property" that meets any of the following criteria:
- Combined weight of at least 26,001 pounds (including a towed unit weighing at least 10,000 pounds)
- Designed to transport at least 16 passengers (including the driver)
- Is of any size and is used to transport hazardous materials
Keep in mind that state definitions of commercial vehicles may differ from the federal definition for compliance purposes. It's important to check the laws of your state to determine exactly what qualifies as a CMV. Regardless, federal regulations apply to any CMVs involved in interstate commerce.
Questions About How FMCSA Affects Your Case? Speak to an Attorney
If you've been involved in an accident with a CMV, you may want to consider speaking with an experienced car accident attorney to learn about your legal options. An attorney will be able to explain how FMCSA applies to your case and guide you on what steps to take next.
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