Bevy of rulemaking activity expected soon, including speed limiter mandate, apnea pre-rule and CDL clearinghouse

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The 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 in February. 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 rulemaking to implement minimum standards for training entry-level truckers is projected to be published Feb. 9, according to the agency’s report. The rule will flesh out minimum standards for training truck operators, likely including behind-the-wheel training requirements and more.

A Final Rule to implement a CDL Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse is projected to be published in February, 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 be published Jan. 29. 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.­­

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