Ladies Edition Tour Company Denied Driver Rule Waivers
Published Date: 7/17/2026
Notice
Summary
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!
Analyzed Economic Effects
4 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 3 costs, 0 mixed.
No automatic ELD/CDL relief during emergencies
FMCSA noted that, as of its October 13, 2023 regulatory revision, there is not a basis to include automatic relief from ELD and CDL requirements in response to emergency declarations. That means carriers and responders cannot rely on automatic blanket relief from ELD or CDL rules during declared emergencies.
Project GAP must keep CDLs
FMCSA denied Diamond Excursions Ladies Edition (Project GAP) an exemption from commercial driver's license (CDL) rules on July 17, 2026. This means drivers working for Project GAP must continue to meet the CDL testing and skills requirements under 49 CFR 383.23(a)(1) and cannot operate CMVs without a valid CDL.
ELD exemption request denied for Project GAP
FMCSA denied Project GAP's request to be exempt from electronic logging device (ELD) rules on July 17, 2026. Drivers for Project GAP must continue to use ELDs where required under 49 CFR 395.8(a)(1), unless they qualify for an existing exception (for example, operating in a manner that requires RODS on not more than 8 days in any 30-day period under 49 CFR 395.8(a)(1)(ii)(A)(1)).
Existing alternatives encouraged for applicants
FMCSA reminded applicants that practical alternatives exist, including using smaller commercial motor vehicles that do not require a CDL and using existing exceptions to the ELD rule. Project GAP and similar organizations are encouraged to consider these options instead of seeking exemptions.
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