Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Trailer Conspicuity

The FMCSA is amending the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to extend the deadline for motor carriers operating intermodal container chassis (container chassis) to comply with the agency's requirement that trailers manufactured before December 1, 1993, be retrofitted with retroreflective sheeting (or reflex reflectors). Currently, the FMCSRs require that motor carriers engaged in interstate commerce install retroreflective tape or reflex reflectors on the sides and rear of semitrailers and trailers that were manufactured prior to December 1, 1993, have an overall width of 2,032 mm (80 inches) or more, and a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 4,536 kg (10,001 pounds) or more. The deadline for compliance with the rule is June 1, 2001. The partial suspension of the deadline will enable motor carriers operating container chassis to continue using those commercial motor vehicles without retroreflective sheeting (or reflex reflectors) until December 1, 2001. This action is in response to a petition from the Ocean Carrier Equipment Management Association, Intermodal Association of North America, Institute of Intermodal Container Lessors, and Association of American Railroads (collectively referred to as "the Petitioners").