DOT’s Deregulation Blitz: Red Flags for Trucking Compliance Ahead

by TRUCKERS VA
(UNITED STATES)

Intro: When Cutting Red Tape Could Mean Cutting Corners

The Department of Transportation isn’t slowing down. It’s fast-tracking a sweeping deregulation package, stripping out more than 50 rules across FMCSA, NHTSA, and FHWA. But as the textbooks vanish, compliance experts, safety advocates, and carrier operators are sounding alarm bells. This isn’t just red tape—it’s potential road hazards wrapped in unchecked policies. Let’s break down what’s changing, why it matters, and what you need to do to stay on the right side of the law without sacrificing your bottom line.

The Big Chop: What’s Being Cut?

On May 29, Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy announced a mass slicing of “duplicative, outdated regulations” that he claims waste taxpayer dollars without boosting safety
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Key telecoms include:

Removing the ELD manual requirement: Drivers won’t have to carry a printed copy of the electronic logging device user manual—but they must still access malfunction procedures and data transfer instructions
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Scrapping rear-impact guard labels: The stickers on trailer guard bars will be optional, though the safety standard stays intact
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Retroreflective sheeting rescinded: Older trailers (pre‑1993) no longer need reflective tape
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State-level inspection form flexibility: Federally, you might not have to return roadside inspection forms—if your state doesn’t require it
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There are 20 FMCSA actions alone—two being final rules, and 18 open for comment
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Compliance Confusion Incoming?

Regulatory expert P. Sean Garney from Scopelitis Consulting points out sharply: the changes aren’t always clear-cut. 🚨

ELD manuals: Removing the blanket rule doesn’t remove all doc needs. Drivers still need ELD malfunction protocols—but how, where, or which version? That’s fuzzy
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Inspection form ambiguity: If your state requires forms, but FMCSA says “feds don’t,” you might fall into a compliance trap .

Two standards, one system: Take rear guard labels—dropping federal needs doesn’t drop NHTSA’s FMVSS sticker rules. A worn label could still trip you up in a crash investigation
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Safety Groups: Caution on the Tracks

The Truck Safety Coalition is calling it out loud: they’re “deeply concerned that FMCSA is rushing campaign pledges without proving safety won’t be compromised”
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Consider retroreflective sheeting. FMCSA assumes old trailers are gone—but nobody proved it
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New DOT Enforcement Approach

At the same time, DOT is moving enforcement from FMCSA admin hearings to federal courts. That means more delays and legal complexities—plus bigger claims that big carriers could exploit to delay enforcement .

The TSC warns that judges unfamiliar with FMCSA standards may pass on enforcement while letting unsafe practices proceed unchecked .

Industry Reaction & Gray Areas

FMCSA/NHTSA say they’re trimming deadwood—not compromising safety
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Defenders of deregulation welcome the changes.

Compliance pros say carriers now need to:

Track both FMCSA and NHTSA/NHTSA standards

Update internal policies around ELD docs and inspection forms

Watch state-level inspection requirements

Safety advocates stress: stray too far, and lives could be at stake.

What You Should Do Now

If you're a carrier or owner-operator, here’s how to stay safe and legal:

Audit your policies: Especially around ELD use & inspection forms. Know what federal regs allow—and what state regs require.

Stay alert during enforcement changes: Expect slower timelines, but also stronger legal defenses on the horizon.

Watch rule timelines: Some parts are final; others are open for comment. Speaking up matters.

Document everything: Keep ELD manuals accessible—even if not mandatory—and inspect rear guards properly.

Engage with industry groups: Join FreightWaves, Truck Safety Coalition, or LandLine for updates and guidance.

Bottom Line

DOT’s deregulation sprint aims to cut red tape—but now compliance complexity goes up. Whether it’s ELD info, inspection forms, or rear guards, the gap between “legal” and “safe/legal” could widen fast.

Good carriers don’t just dodge fines—they adapt smarter. Audit your policies now, double-check state standards, voice your concerns in rulemaking, and iron out the details before enforcement catches up.