Trucks Banned from Carrying Fiery Flares: Out with the Old Flame
Published Date: 2/19/2026
Rule
Summary
Starting March 23, 2026, commercial truck drivers won’t have to carry liquid-burning flares as part of their emergency gear because the FMCSA says these flares are outdated and rarely used. This change updates safety rules to keep things simple and modern without adding any new costs. If anyone wants to challenge this rule, they must do so by the same date.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Truckers no longer must carry liquid-burning flares
If you drive or operate a commercial motor vehicle, you no longer have to carry liquid-burning flares as part of your required emergency equipment starting March 23, 2026. FMCSA removed liquid-burning flares from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and says this change modernizes rules without adding new costs.
Small publishing update cost estimated
The American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) estimated up to $20,000 in costs to update six publications that convey Federal motor carrier safety requirements as a result of this and two other rulemakings. FMCSA considers that up-to-$20,000 cost de minimis and expects updates can be incorporated during routine business updates.
Flame-producing signals still banned for certain hazmat vehicles
If you operate a commercial motor vehicle transporting Division 1.1, 1.2, or 1.3 explosives; a cargo tank motor vehicle used for Division 2.1 (flammable gas) or Class 3 (flammable liquid) materials whether loaded or empty; or a vehicle using compressed gas as motor fuel, you may not carry fusees or any other flame-produced signals. The amended rule keeps this restriction in place.
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: 2026-03260, Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Tire Load Markings
Starting March 23, 2026, commercial truck tires no longer need special load restriction markings on their sidewalls, clearing up confusion about what’s required. This change affects truck owners and tire makers by simplifying rules without adding costs or delays. If anyone wants to challenge this update, they must speak up by the same date.
Next: 2026-03262, Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Spare Fuses
Starting April 20, 2026, commercial trucks no longer have to carry spare fuses for every type and size. This change cuts out an old, unnecessary rule, making life easier for truck drivers and companies without costing extra money. If anyone wants to challenge this update, they must speak up by March 23, 2026.