Registration Enforcement

The FMCSA amends its regulations to require that a motor carrier subject to the registration requirements under 49 U.S.C. 13902 may not operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce unless it has registered with this agency. These motor carriers are further prohibited from operating beyond the scope of their registration. If an unregistered carrier's motor vehicle is discovered in operation or being operated beyond the scope of the carrier's registration, such motor vehicle will be placed out of service and the carrier may be subject to additional penalties. The States are currently required to enforce these registration requirements as a condition for receipt of Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program funds. Amending the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to specifically include the out-of-service (OOS) provisions will help ensure that all carriers subject to 49 U.S.C. 13902 are apprised of and comply with applicable FMCSR's, operate only within the scope of registration, and operate safe vehicles within the United States. Benefits to the agency include the ability to more accurately identify and monitor the safety fitness of motor carriers.