Amendments To Implement Certain Provisions of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU); Final Rule

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) adopts as final certain regulations required by the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). These regulations govern State compliance plans under the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program; withholding of Federal-aid highway funds based on State noncompliance with the Commercial Driver's License Program; intrastate operations of interstate motor carriers; civil penalties and disqualifications for violations of out-of-service orders; civil penalties for denial of access to records and property and for violations of statutes and regulations governing hazardous materials transportation; exemption from the Federal hours-of-service regulations for operators of commercial motor vehicles engaged in certain defined operations; exemption of drivers of propane service or pipeline emergency vehicles during emergency conditions requiring immediate response; and interstate transportation of household goods. The SAFETEA-LU provisions requiring these rules became effective on August 10, 2005. Adoption of the rules is a nondiscretionary ministerial action that can be taken without issuing a notice of proposed rulemaking and receiving public comment, in accordance with an exception available to Federal agencies under the Administrative Procedure Act.