Feds Refresh GPS Routes for Trucks Hauling Radioactive Hazards
Published Date: 12/8/2025
Notice
Summary
Starting December 8, 2025, the National Hazardous Materials Route Registry updates the official list of roads where trucks can safely carry dangerous stuff like radioactive and other hazardous materials. This affects truck drivers, state and tribal governments, and anyone involved in moving these materials, making sure routes are clear and safe. These changes keep everyone on the right path and help avoid costly detours or accidents.
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
NHMRR Updated From State/Tribal Reports
Starting December 8, 2025, FMCSA published revisions to the National Hazardous Materials Route Registry based on State and Tribal reports submitted from April 1, 2024 through March 31, 2025. The update republishes current designated and restricted roads used for moving Class 7 radioactive and other hazardous materials so truck drivers and shippers know which routes are allowed or restricted.
Michigan Restricts Ambassador Bridge for Several Classes
On August 29, 2024, Michigan updated a Route Order so the Ambassador Bridge (Detroit, from Porter St. to Canada/Windsor) now has restrictions for classes 1, 6.2, and 7 hazardous materials. That means shipments of those classes are restricted on that bridge segment.
District of Columbia Adds Route Order 'C' (Restriction 0)
A new Route Order Designator "C" was added for the District of Columbia and assigned a "0" restriction ("0" = ALL Hazardous Materials). The entry added I-295 Oxon Run SE from Oxon Run Creek to I-695 with an April 2, 2024 designation date.
California Adds Preferred Routes for Radioactive Shipments
On March 20, 2024 California added Route Order Designators "O" and "P" and assigned both a "P" designation (Preferred Route for Class 7 radioactive materials). The listings cover State Route 58 from Barstow (Interstate 15) to State Route 223, and State Route 223 from State Route 58 to Interstate 5 in Kern County.
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.
2026-20476, Agency Information Collection Activities; New Information Collection: Hours of Service of Drivers: Pilot Program To Allow Commercial Drivers To Pause Their 14-Hour Driving Window
The FMCSA is launching a pilot program letting truck drivers pause their 14-hour driving window for up to 3 hours at cargo stops to see if it improves their work-life balance without hurting safety. About 256 drivers will join this study, helping the agency gather data on driver fatigue and performance. Comments on this plan are open until December 7, 2026, so the public can weigh in before it moves forward.
2026-20325, Clarification to the Applicability of Emergency Exemptions; Response to Petitions for Reconsideration
The FMCSA is extending emergency relief from 14 days to 30 days after a state or FMCSA declares a regional emergency. This change helps truck drivers and companies get more time to respond during emergencies without extra paperwork. The new rule kicks in on October 5, 2026, and anyone wanting to challenge it must act by November 4, 2026.
2026-20043, Electronic Logging Device Requirements: Application for Exemption; Federation of Professional Truckers
The Federation of Professional Truckers asked to skip using electronic logging devices (ELDs) and keep paper logs instead. The government said no because ELDs keep everyone safer on the road. Truck drivers still need to use ELDs, so no changes or extra costs for now.
2026-20048, Hours of Service of Drivers; Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Exemption Renewal for Cleveland-Cliffs Steel LLC
The FMCSA is giving Cleveland-Cliffs Steel LLC a temporary green light to let their truck drivers work longer shifts—up to 16 hours straight—when moving steel coils and scrap metal between company sites. They’re also allowed to keep using special trucks that don’t meet some usual safety rules, but only for steel coil hauling. This exemption runs from late September 2026 to March 2027, and the public can share their thoughts by the end of October.
2026-20046, Commercial Driver's License Standards: Application for Exemption; Agri-Tech Aviation
The FMCSA said no to Agri-Tech Aviation’s request to let learner drivers operate commercial vehicles alone before getting their full license. They found it wouldn’t be as safe as current rules require. This means learner drivers still need a fully licensed driver riding shotgun, keeping roads safer for everyone.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-22191, Agency Information Collection Activities: Requests for Comments; Clearance of Renewed Approval of Information Collection: FAA Advisory Circular 120-119, Voluntary Safety Management System for Other Regulated Entities Transporting Dangerous Goods by Air
The FAA is renewing approval for a voluntary safety program that helps companies safely transport dangerous goods by air. This affects businesses that choose to follow FAA safety guidelines and submit their safety plans for review. Comments on this renewal are open until January 7, 2026, with no new fees or major changes involved.
Next: 2025-22193, Notice of Record of Decision for the Environmental Impact Statement for Authorizing Changes to the Falcon Launch Program at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California
The Air Force just gave the green light to double Falcon rocket launches at Vandenberg Space Force Base, California—from 50 to 100 launches a year! This means Falcon 9 and Falcon Heavy rockets will blast off and land more often, with new hangars being built to keep up. These changes will speed up space missions for both the government and commercial companies starting soon.