What Are the FMCSA’s New Rules for 2025?

With the approaching spring season comes a wave of new regulations for trucking companies. Fleets of all sizes should be aware of the changes and prepare to ensure their trucks satisfy the new FMCSA compliance checklist.

Trust FMCA Filings to keep your fleet in line and make the changes easier. We make it simple to adopt new regulations by conducting DOT safety audits and providing compliance checks. We’re also experts in some state requirements, keeping your fleet compliant at every level. 

What Changes Are Proposed? 

The new regulations all focus on improving safety. If the proposal passes, their rollout should start in the spring of 2025. Fleet owners should begin preparing now to stay ahead of the changes and minimize delays that could eat into their profits. 

Automatic Emergency Braking (AEB) Systems

One of the new requirements is the installation of AEB systems in new heavy trucks. Trucks weighing 10,001-26,000 pounds will have three years to update, while those over 26,000 pounds will have four years. 

The cost of updating existing trucks will be $1,500-$3,000. Expanding companies should look for new vehicles that already have AEB installed. Fleet owners will also want to start incorporating AEB education into driver safety training. 

Speed Limiter Rule

Trucks that weigh over 26,000 pounds may soon require speed-limiting technology. The FMCSA hasn’t shared the maximum speed, but if approved, the rule will take effect in May 2025.

Installing the new limiters will cost $500-$1500 per vehicle. Commercial trucking companies should consider implementing the new technology sooner rather than later to avoid a lump sum payment. Fleets must also adapt to longer transport times and adjust their schedules accordingly. 

Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse Compliance

To better enforce its zero-tolerance policy for substance use behind the wheel, the FMCSA will start revoking commercial licenses from drivers with “prohibited” statuses in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. 

Commercial driving companies should regularly conduct independent compliance checks. Owners must provide drivers with support resources and visibly post information about the consequences of violating these policies. 

MC Number Elimination

The FMCSA plans to stop using Motor Carrier (MC) numbers and replace them with USDOT numbers by the fall of 2025. This change is intended to reduce fraud. 

Crash Preventability Determination Progam (CPDP)

Because over 19,000 commercial truck crashes occur annually, the FMCSA is expanding its categorization of accidents. The goal is to improve safety data and avoid penalizing carriers for accidents for which they aren’t at fault.

There will be four new non-preventable accident types:

1. A motorist strikes the side of the truck while moving in the same direction

2. A motorist entering the highway from a private driveway or parking lot strikes the truck

3. A motorist loses control of their vehicle and strikes the truck

4. Video evidence points to a non-preventable incident, even if the crash type is outside of the CPDP categories

This update should benefit fleet owners and drivers alike. Acknowledging that certain incidents are not preventable may reduce liability insurance premiums and boost morale. It should also help hone the Safety Measurement System (SMS) to identify risky drivers better and stop penalizing non-preventable incidents.

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Updates

The FMCSA has extended the deadline for updating electronic logging devices in pre-2000 vehicles to the spring of 2025.

All commercial vehicles are required to have electronic devices recording a driver’s route and activity. Companies must regularly review the data to assess hours of service, and drivers should receive training on properly using the device. 

Get Started Now

It’s critical to meet all DOT requirements for trucking companies to protect your business’s reputation and legality. The incoming shifts may be challenging, but procrastinating the changes will only increase their cost. Fleet operators should be proactive in implementing new technologies and policies to save themselves money in the long run.

Failure to stay FMCSA compliant can disrupt your operations and plunge your profits. At worst, it could put your drivers’ safety at risk and get you and your company into legal trouble that permanently shuts down your operation.

Stay On the Road With FMCA Filings 

Protect the safety of your drivers and your fleet’s legality by staying on top of the new FMSCA regulations. To streamline the process, allow FMCA Filings to handle your safety audits and compliance checks. We pride ourselves on conducting thorough inspections and simplifying the filing process for fleets of all sizes.

We are experts on the most up-to-date regulations, including the new FMCSA vision requirements. The requirements for commercial vehicles can change fast, and expert support makes it easier to adapt.

For the ultimate peace of mind, trust our team to assess your commercial vehicles for compliance. Speak with one of our experts online at FMCA Filings today to stay ahead of the new 2025 FMCSA regulation changes.