German Drivers Get Special Pass to Test Trucks
Published Date: 1/16/2025
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA just gave Daimler Trucks North America a 5-year green light for six drivers with foreign licenses to test-drive their trucks on U.S. roads without needing a U.S. commercial driver’s license. This helps Daimler make sure their trucks work great in real life while keeping safety top-notch. The exemption starts January 16, 2025, and runs through January 16, 2030, with no extra costs for the drivers or the public.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Five-year exemption for six foreign drivers
FMCSA granted a 5-year exemption (January 16, 2025 through January 16, 2030) allowing six named Daimler drivers who hold German commercial licenses to operate commercial motor vehicles in the United States without a State-issued commercial driver's license (CDL). The exemption applies only to Christopher Kappes, Andreas Munch, Franz-Alexander Baumgartner, Fabian Schab, Malte Kleindick, and Lucas Jung.
Must be accompanied by U.S. CDL holder
When driving under the exemption, each of the six drivers must be accompanied at all times by a holder of a State-issued CDL who is familiar with the routes traveled. That accompaniment is a required condition of the exemption.
Drug and alcohol testing requirement
Daimler must subject the exempted drivers to a drug and alcohol testing program substantially equivalent to 49 CFR part 382 (excluding the Clearinghouse requirements in subpart G) and must follow the procedures in 49 CFR part 40. The testing requirement applies while the drivers operate under the exemption.
Federal preemption for exempt operations
During the exemption period (January 16, 2025 through January 16, 2030), no State may enforce a law or regulation applicable to interstate commerce that conflicts with this exemption for a person or firm operating under it. States may choose to adopt the same exemption for intrastate operations, but are not required to do so.
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