In the coming years, semi-autonomous and autonomous driving technology is set to revolutionize the way we travel. While semi-autonomous and autonomous technology promises greater safety and convenience, there is also potential for misuse, and it is important for governments to ensure that appropriate regulations are in place. In this blog post, we will explore the semi-driving laws and regulations that are expected to be in place in 2023. We will look at the implications of these 2023 semi-driving laws and regulations, and consider how they will impact the industry and drivers.
DOT Trucking Regulation Changes
There are a few DOT trucking regulations that are ended and a few that are being added. We will go over the top DOT regulation changes below.
DOT Regulations that are Ending
COVID HOS Waiver
This waiver allowed truckers that were hauling relief loads to have some exemptions to the hours-of-service regulations. Individuals using this waiver while applying for a CLP (commercial learner's permit) looking into taking a test for a CDL (commercial driver's license). That waiver will expire on Feb 28, 2023.
Virtual SAP:
The ODAPC created this law to conduct a remote evaluation and assessment of an employee who has violated DOT drug and alcohol regulations. This policy ended in December 2022.
Upcoming DOT Regulations
Limits to Emergency Relief:
The FMCSA is working to limit the emergency regulatory relief waiver extensions to prevent constant extensions to hours of service when they may not be necessary. This change will shorten the time an automatic regulatory relief is active as well as minimize the scope of provided relief. The goal of this change is to decrease the safety dangers while automatic regulatory relief is in place.
Drug and Alcohol Clearing House:
As of January 6, 2023, the FMCSA clearinghouse will be the main place to report substance abuse or other drug and alcohol-related reports in prospective drivers.
Regulations for Automated Systems:
This notice proposes changes to the operations, repair, and maintenance of automated driving systems. This change is being put into place to promote innovation and keep up with the operations and requirements of automated driving systems. The goal of this change is to recognize and put changes into place to the different requirements of automated driving systems over human operators.
Broker and Freight Forwarder Financial Responsibility:
This regulation's goal is to stop dispatch services claiming to qualify as bona fide agents that are most likely participating in authorized brokerage. In doing so, they are looking to redefine and clarify the difference between a broker and a bona fide agent. This change is to be utilized as a resource rather than an enforcement of law according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Safety Fitness Procedure:
Currently, the Safety Fitness procedure has a current three-tier ranking system of satisfactory, conditional, and unsatisfactory when determining if commercial motor carriers are equipped for operations. The goal of this change is to find a more effective way of determining unfit trucking companies and removing them from the road. The proposed publication date of this change is January 30, 2023.
Automatic Emergency Braking:
- This notice proposes standards for automatic emergency braking systems on heavy trucks and tests the performances of these systems. Four carmakers have met the goal to install automatic emergency braking systems in all of their cars out of 20 that are proposed by the end of 2022. This rule is proposed to be published by January 30, 2023.
Speed Limiters :
The FMCSA is going to proceed in the process of mandating speed limiters on heavy-duty trucks. This process has been untouched for six years. As of now, there is no recommendation as to what the speed limiter should be set to (65mph, 68mph, or 75mph). Most large-truck manufacturers have implemented the technology needed for speed limiters in their vehicles but it is not thought to have an effect on drivers until 2024-2026. The planned release date for a new rulemaking on heavy vehicle speed limiters is June 30, 2023.
Electronic IDs:
This rule being considered will require all commercial motor vehicles operating on the interstate to have an electronic ID system that can be wirelessly communicated to Federal or State motor carrier safety enforcement personnel when asked.
Medical Examiners Handbook Revisions:
The FMCSA has released a revised medical examiners handbook which provides standards to requirements and guidance for medical examiners to use for physical qualification determinations. This will help MEs more effectively make decisions on physical qualification exams.
Changes to Laws and Regulations That Will Impact Truck Driver Requirements
Entry-Level Driver Training Program Review:
The FMCSA has implemented the ELDT (entry-level driver training) program to standardize and improve the training system for new truck drivers. They are now reviewing the program which may result in changes in the ELDT.
Hair and Oral Fluids Testing:
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) is responsible for setting standards when conducting drug and alcohol testing that must be followed by the FMCSA and DOT. They have set standards for oral fluids testing done roadside but do not have standards for hair testing. In 2023, these two test methods may become available. This implicates safer roads and stricter and more effective drug and alcohol testing on truck drivers.
Changes to Laws and Regulations that Will Impact Truck Companies
New Entrant Exam:
The FMCSA is seeking to add an actual exam for new company start-ups also known as new entrants. This exam will create standards for monitoring safety and setting standards for new trucking companies.
CSA Review:
The FMCSA is looking into changes to the Compliance, Safety, and Accountability evaluation procedures. These evaluations have been a large issue in the trucking industry. In 2023, the FMCSA is looking into all CSA components and we may be seeing the end of the Item Response Theory (IRT)
The above rules and regulations are the main changes to come to the semi-truck industry in 2023. It is always important to stay up-to-date with the many changing rules and regulations as a truck driver or truck business owner.