Truckers Ditch Rear License Plate Lights When Towing Trailers
Published Date: 5/30/2025
Proposed Rule
Summary
The FMCSA wants to make life easier for truck drivers by removing the rule that requires license plate lamps on the back of truck tractors when they're towing trailers. This change won’t affect safety but will cut down on unnecessary rules. Truckers and trucking companies should watch for this update, which could save them time and hassle soon.
Analyzed Economic Effects
1 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Truck tractors: rear lamp exception
If you drive or own a truck tractor that tows a trailer, the FMCSA proposes an exception so you would not have to have a license plate lamp on the rear of the tractor while towing. The agency says this removes an unnecessary regulatory requirement without impacting safety, which could save drivers and trucking companies time and hassle.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-08144, Administrative Rulemaking, Guidance, and Enforcement Procedures
The Department of Transportation is bringing back and improving its rules for making new policies, giving guidance, and enforcing laws. This affects anyone involved in transportation regulations, making the process clearer and more consistent. These changes kick in on May 27, 2026, aiming to save time and avoid confusion without adding extra costs.
2026-16288, English Language Proficiency; Out of Service Criteria
The FMCSA wants to make sure truck drivers who don’t speak English well enough can be taken out of service to keep roads safer. This change affects all commercial drivers and aligns rules with current safety checks, making enforcement clearer and fairer. Comments on this proposal are open until October 9, 2026, with no new costs expected for drivers or companies.
2026-15760, Agency Information Collection Activities; Renewal of an Approved Information Collection Request: Commercial Driver's License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
The FMCSA is renewing its approval to keep running the Commercial Driver's License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, a system that helps track drivers who test positive for drugs or alcohol. This affects nearly 10 million drivers, employers, and related groups, ensuring safety by making sure drivers complete the return-to-duty process before getting back on the road. Comments on this renewal are open until September 3, 2026, with no new fees involved.
2026-15414, Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Application for Exemption From Transit Solutions, LLC
FMCSA requests public comments on an application for exemption submitted by Transit Solutions, LLC (dba TSI Video) to allow motor carriers to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMV) equipped with TSI's ClearView E-Mirror camera monitor system (CMS) installed as an alternative to the two rear-vision mirrors required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). FMCSA is required by statute to publish a notice explaining each exemption request and such notice does not indicate what decision FMCSA will ultimately reach on the request. After reviewing the application, safety analyses, and public comments submitted, FMCSA will grant or deny the exemption.
2026-15430, Hours of Service (HOS) of Drivers: Precision Fireworks LLC; Application for Exemption
FMCSA requests public comment on Precision Fireworks LLC's (Precision) application for exemption from the HOS requirement that drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) must not drive following the 14th hour after coming on duty. FMCSA is required by statute to publish a notice explaining each exemption request. This notice does not indicate what decision FMCSA will ultimately reach on the request. After reviewing the application, safety analyses, and public comments submitted, FMCSA will grant or deny the exemption.
2026-15431, Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Application for Exemption Renewal From Charles Machine Works, Inc.
FMCSA withdraws its January 16, 2026, notice that requested public comment on an application from Charles Machine Works, Inc. (CMW) seeking renewal of a five-year exemption from the Agency's prohibition against the use of gravity-fed or siphon-fed fuel systems on commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). FMCSA has determined that the Agency's February 19, 2026, final rule titled "Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Auxiliary Fuel Tanks," provided the requested relief by amending the relevant regulation in a way that resolves the concerns outlined in CMW's original exemption request. Consequently, the exemption is now unnecessary, not only for CMW but also for any other entities that might have planned to request an exemption from the prohibition on gravity-fed or siphon-fed fuel systems on CMVs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-09732, Accident Reporting: Modification to the Definition of the Term “Medical Treatment”
The FMCSA is updating the rules about what counts as 'medical treatment' after a truck accident. This change affects truck drivers and companies who must report accidents, making it clearer when medical care away from the accident scene counts. The update helps everyone report accidents more accurately and starts once the new rule is official, with no extra costs expected.
Next: 2025-09734, Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Tire Load Markings
The FMCSA is clearing up confusion by saying commercial trucks don’t have to show tire load limits on their sidewalls. This update affects truck owners and drivers, making rules simpler without extra costs or deadlines. It’s all about making sure everyone knows what’s really required for safe tires on big vehicles.