FMCSA Updates Driver Qualification File Rules
In recent times the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has made changes to commercial driver qualification filing rules. While each individual change did not justify an article on its own, combined they add up into something larger. Here are the changes that have been made in 2022 thus far.
Road Test Certificate Information
As of March 22, a driver new to the company doing the road test per regulation per §391.31 does not need to submit any personal identifiable information (PII) with the form.
A driver has to submit PII, including Social Security number, date of birth, and driver’s license number, before doing his or her first official job, but now a prospective driver does not need to submit PII to go through the road test that is integral to the onboarding process as required by the FMCSA.
Removed Redundancy
Before May 9th, motor carriers needed to request an annual record of violations from their commercial drivers. Now they do not have to, as the annual motor vehicle record that is also requested once a year contains the same information.
Any annual record of violations collected within the last three years has to remain on the driver qualification record, given to the FMCSA upon request, for three years after its collection. The record of violations will be completely phased out come May 9th, 2025.
Provided Clarity
The word “state” has two meanings within law, a government in general (as in the Head of state), and a defined piece of land within America (as in Washington state). Effective March 22nd, the term “state” was replaced with “driver’s licensing authority”, so that all readers can understand it as the former definition. A Canadian motor carrier must contact their province to get their Motor Vehicle Record to operate in U.S. commerce.
Conclusion
Each of these changes provide some form of relief for the trucking industry, whether by making reading legal language less confusing, or making following regulations easier to conduct. By applying these three changes, the FMCSA can help get more trucks on the road during these tumultuous times.
ABOUT TOPMARK FUNDING
TopMark Funding is a top-rated semi-truck financing and trailer financing company located in Roseville, CA. We specialize in commercial trucking and heavy equipment. Our mission is to become your long-term financial partner by helping you grow your trucking business and fleet.
We’re not here for the short-term, we’re on the long-haul with you!
We have financing options for trailers, semi-trucks, commercial trucks, and small businesses. We have great rates, low down payments, and flexible monthly payments regardless of credit history.
Learn more about Trailer Financing.
Fill out the contact form or give us a call at (866) 627-6644. One of our truck financing specialists will contact you as soon as possible to go over your truck lease needs and learn more about you and your business financing goals.
