Rear Impact Guards No Longer Need Pesky Certification Labels
Published Date: 2/19/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting March 23, 2026, motor carriers won’t have to worry about keeping certification labels on rear impact guards readable or even present. The rule removes the need for permanent labels proving the guards meet safety standards, cutting down on hassle without lowering safety. This change helps carriers save time and avoid problems with worn-off labels, with no extra costs or safety risks.
Analyzed Economic Effects
2 provisions identified: 2 benefits, 0 costs, 0 mixed.
Carriers no longer need permanent labels
Starting March 23, 2026, motor carriers are no longer required by FMCSA to keep a permanent manufacturer certification label or marking on rear impact guards (49 CFR 393.86(a)(6) is rescinded). This removes the basis for citations during Federal and State inspections for missing or illegible certification labels and is intended to save carriers time and avoid problems with worn-off labels.
Safety standards at manufacture remain
The rule does not change NHTSA's Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standard (FMVSS) requirements that apply at the time of manufacture and sale (including FMVSS No. 223). FMCSA states the rescission of the permanent labeling requirement in the FMCSR does not remove the FMVSS labeling requirement nor reduce the safety benefits associated with that requirement.
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.
2026-14701, General Technical, Organizational, Conforming, and Correcting Amendments to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
The FMCSA fixed small mistakes and updated old info in the truck safety rules to make them clearer and easier to follow. These changes don’t add new rules or costs, so truck drivers and companies can keep rolling without extra hassle. The updates take effect on July 21, 2026, and anyone wanting to ask for changes must do so by August 20, 2026.
2026-14412, Hours of Service: Colorado Huntsman Transport, Inc. d/b/a Huntsman Transport; Application for Exemptions
Huntsman Transport from Colorado wants special permission to skip some truck marking rules and drive more hours than usually allowed in a week. The government is asking the public to share their thoughts by August 17, 2026, before deciding. If approved, this could change how long Huntsman’s drivers work, possibly speeding up deliveries without extra costs.
2026-14468, Commercial Driver's License; Electronic Logging Device Requirements: Diamond Excursions Ladies Edition d/b/a Project GAP; Application for Exemptions
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) said no to Diamond Excursions Ladies Edition, aka Project GAP, who asked to skip some commercial driver’s license and electronic logging device rules. FMCSA reviewed the safety info and public feedback and decided the exemption wouldn’t keep roads as safe as the current rules do. So, drivers with Project GAP must keep following the existing rules—no shortcuts or delays here!
2026-14415, Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; Epilepsy and Seizure Disorders
The FMCSA said no to 18 people with epilepsy or seizure disorders who asked to drive big trucks across state lines. The rules stay strict to keep everyone safe on the road, so no special passes this time. If you’re affected, keep an eye out for future updates, but for now, no changes or costs for drivers or companies.
2026-14395, Hours of Service: CCS Transportation, Inc.; Application for Exemption
CCS Transportation, Inc. wants a special okay to count short trips between its two locations as 'on-duty but not driving' on their electronic logs. This change would affect their truck drivers and could make tracking hours easier without breaking rules. The government is asking for public thoughts by August 17, 2026, before deciding if this exemption gets the green light.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2026-03251, Amendment of Class C Airspace; South Bend, Michiana Regional Airport, South Bend, IN
The FAA is updating the Class C airspace info for South Bend International Airport by fixing the airport name and coordinates. No changes to airspace size or rules are happening, so pilots and travelers won’t see any difference in how the airspace works. These updates take effect on May 14, 2026, and won’t cost anyone extra.
Next: 2026-03256, Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Brakes on Portable Conveyors
Starting March 23, 2026, portable conveyors made before 2010 and used in the aggregate industry won’t need brakes on all wheels, as long as they meet certain safety conditions. This change helps businesses by easing rules without risking safety, thanks to a request from the Michigan Aggregates Association. If anyone wants to challenge this rule, they must do so by the same date.