Truckers Still Need Certificates for Those Extra-Long Rigs, Yawn
Published Date: 12/19/2025
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA is renewing its approval to collect info on training certificates for drivers of longer combination vehicles (LCVs). Truck drivers and their companies must keep and show proof that drivers are properly trained to operate these big rigs. Comments on this plan are open until February 17, 2026, with no new costs or big changes—just keeping safety records up to date.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 0 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
LCV Driver Certification Requirement
If you drive a longer combination vehicle (LCV), you must complete FMCSA LCV training and receive an LCV Driver-Training Certificate before operating an LCV. Motor carriers may not permit drivers to operate LCVs unless trained under Sec. 380.113, and carriers must keep a copy of each driver's certificate and present it to authorized Federal, State, or local officials on request. An LCV is defined as a truck-tractor plus two or more trailers with gross vehicle weight greater than 80,000 pounds on the National System of Interstate and Defense Highways.
Paperwork Burden Increase for LCV Records
FMCSA is renewing the information collection for LCV Driver-Training Certificates and requests an increase in estimated annual burden from 4,360 hours to 4,959 hours. The Agency estimates 59,333 respondents (178 LCV training providers, 178 newly certified LCV drivers seeking employment, 29,400 currently certified LCV drivers seeking employment, and 29,577 motor carriers), with an estimated 10 minutes per response and an estimated total annual burden of 4,959 hours; the current ICR expires July 31, 2026.
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.
2026-20649, Qualification of Drivers; Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance; Application for Exemption
The FMCSA is giving Alaska drivers with a commercial learner’s permit or license a one-year pass to use a paper medical certificate for up to 60 days, since Alaska hasn’t switched to the new electronic system yet. Drivers in all other states must stop using paper proof starting October 12, 2026. This temporary change helps Alaska drivers and their employers stay compliant without extra costs or hassle for the next year.
2026-20524, Agency Information Collection Activities; New Information Collection: Hours of Service of Drivers; Pilot Program To Allow Commercial Drivers To Split Sleeper Berth Time
The FMCSA is launching a pilot program to see if truck drivers can split their required rest time in the sleeper berth to improve their work-life balance without risking safety. About 256 drivers will join this study, which could lead to more flexible driving rules. Comments on this plan are open until December 7, 2026, and the results might change how drivers manage their hours, possibly saving time and boosting safety.
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.
2026-20048, 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.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-23324, Center for Scientific Review; Notice of Closed Meetings
The Center for Scientific Review is holding a closed virtual meeting on February 3, 2026, to review important drug development grant applications. This meeting is private to protect secret research info and personal details of applicants. Scientists and researchers applying for grants should note this date, but no new costs or changes affect the public.
Next: 2025-23327, Agreement Suspending the Antidumping Duty Investigation on Sugar From Mexico: Final Results of the 2022-2023 Administrative Review
The U.S. checked if Mexican sugar companies followed the rules from Dec 2022 to Nov 2023 and found that most did, but Grupo BSM didn’t cut their unfair pricing enough. Because of this serious slip-up, the government will take action to fix it starting December 19, 2025. This affects sugar imports from Mexico and could change how duties or rules apply going forward.