Bus Trailways Get Five-Year Exemption on Vehicle Markings
Published Date: 12/2/2025
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA is renewing a special exemption for Adirondack Trailways, Pine Hill Trailways, and New York Trailways that lets them skip some usual truck marking rules when swapping buses or drivers. This renewal runs from November 28, 2025, to May 28, 2030, and keeps safety just as strong as before. It means these bus companies can keep rolling smoothly without extra costs or delays from new markings.
Analyzed Economic Effects
5 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 1 mixed.
Marking Exemption Renewed for Three Carriers
FMCSA renewed an exemption from 49 CFR 390.21(b)(3) for Adirondack Transit Lines (USDOT 117395), Pine Hill-Kingston Bus Corp. (USDOT 17352), and Passenger Bus Corp. (USDOT 584575). The exemption applies for interstate operations from November 28, 2025, through May 28, 2030, and covers certain equipment or driver exchanges where the usual marking requirement would apply.
Public Comment Notes Operational Cost Concern
A public comment from the American Bus Association stated that enforcing the current federal marking requirements would not improve safety but would create an efficiency challenge and add a significant cost to current operations, possibly forcing a reduction in service in the long term. The agency considered this comment in its decision to renew the exemption.
Required Onboard Records and Display Rules
Under the exemption, passenger-carrying vehicles must display the owner/lessee name and USDOT number and keep in each vehicle a signed document (electronic or paper) listing the registered name and USDOT number of each party to the agreement. The carrier named on the driver's record of duty status must be the responsible motor carrier, and carriers and drivers must cooperate with enforcement and comply with all other FMCSRs and Hazardous Materials Regulations.
State Preemption During Exemption Period
While the exemption is in effect (November 28, 2025 to May 28, 2030), no State may enforce any interstate commerce law or regulation that conflicts with this exemption for a firm or person operating under it. States may, but are not required to, adopt the same exemption for intrastate operations.
Accident Reporting and Exemption Termination Rules
The exempt carriers must notify FMCSA within 5 business days of any accident involving a covered vehicle and include specified details (identifier of the exemption, operating carrier and USDOT, accident date, location, driver info, vehicle info, number injured/fatalities, cause if reported, and citation status). FMCSA may rescind the exemption if the carriers fail to comply with terms, if safety deteriorates, or if continuation would conflict with statutory goals.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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