Safety Requirements for Operators of Small Passenger-Carrying Commercial Motor Vehicles Used in Interstate Commerce

The FMCSA amends the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to require that motor carriers operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), designed or used to transport between 9 and 15 passengers (including the driver), in interstate commerce for direct compensation comply with the safety regulations regardless of the distance traveled. Specifically, this rule makes certain FMCSRs applicable to the operation of such vehicles when they are operated within a 75 air-mile radius (86.3 statute miles or 138.9 kilometers) from the driver's normal work-reporting location. Motor carriers, drivers, and the vehicles operated by them will be subject to the same safety requirements imposed upon such vehicles when they are operated beyond a 75-air-mile radius. This action is required by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).