Latest rulemaking agenda includes several new initiatives

July 9, 2026

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA’s) latest rulemaking agenda includes several new initiatives aimed at strengthening driver qualification enforcement, reducing fraud, and tightening the oversight of regulated entities.

English-language proficiency

One potential change would make noncompliance with the English-language proficiency standard an out-of-service violation. The rules in 49 CFR 391.11 have long stated that commercial drivers must be able to read and speak English well enough to converse with the public, understand highway signs and signals, respond to official inquiries, and make entries on reports and records. The FMCSA issued enforcement guidance in 2025 directing roadside enforcement personnel to place drivers out of service for noncompliance, and now the agency may change its regulations to make the guidance permanent. A proposal on the topic is expected this summer.

CDL and CLP standards

The FMCSA also plans to propose changes to its commercial driver’s license (CDL) and commercial learner’s permit (CLP) standards. According to the agenda, the proposal would enhance security standards for CDLs and CLPs, strengthen the integrity of the issuance process, reduce the risk of fraud, and update document-verification and record-retention requirements. That proposal is also expected this summer.

Driver training

Another summer proposal would focus on the Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT) program and the Training Provider Registry. The FMCSA says it has identified noncompliance among some listed training providers, undermining confidence in the ELDT program and creating an uneven playing field for providers that follow the rules. The agency says stronger standards would apply both to initial listing and continued listing on the Registry, with the removal of providers that don’t meet program requirements.

Broker qualifications

The FMCSA also expects a fall proposal addressing broker and freight forwarder qualifications. The rulemaking would implement a federal law saying that brokers and freight forwarders must employ, as an officer, an individual who has either 3 years of relevant experience or satisfactory evidence of knowing all the relevant regulations and industry best practices.

Deregulatory proposal

Finally, the FMCSA plans a deregulatory proposal in late 2026 to rescind 49 CFR Part 374, which contains passenger-carrier regulations transferred from the former Interstate Commerce Commission. The FMCSA says it doesn’t regularly attempt enforcement of those rules, including rules for smoking, bathroom cleanliness, bus temperature, and ticketing.

Next steps

Carriers should keep an eye out for these proposed rules so they can review how the changes and updates might impact their operations. The FMCSA will be seeking public comment as each proposed rule is posted, so don’t miss out on the opportunity to influence the updates that affect your team.

Publish Date

July 9, 2026

Author

Daren Hansen

Type

Industry News

Industries

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