Feds Hike Battery Limits for Construction and Lawn Care Pros
Published Date: 8/4/2026
Rule
Summary
This final rule modernizes the Materials of Trade (MOT) exception in the Hazardous Materials Regulations (HMR) by increasing the maximum allowable quantities of lithium batteries that can be transported as MOTs. This increase removes an undue regulatory burden which constrains the ability of construction, landscaping, mowing, tree service, food service, and entertainment companies to perform their trade.
Analyzed Economic Effects
6 provisions identified: 4 benefits, 2 costs, 0 mixed.
Bigger Battery Limits for Work Vehicles
Starting September 3, 2026, companies may transport larger lithium batteries as Materials of Trade (MOT). Each cell or battery may weigh up to 30 kg (66 pounds) and a motor vehicle may carry up to 500 kg (1,102 pounds) aggregate net weight of batteries under the MOT exception.
No Aggregate Cap for Batteries Built Into Equipment
The rule allows batteries that are installed in equipment to be transported without the 30 kg per-battery or 500 kg vehicle aggregate net weight limits that apply to loose batteries. Batteries installed in equipment must still meet applicable UN 38.3 testing criteria.
Outer Packaging No Longer Required If Secured
The rule explicitly allows lithium batteries (and other receptacles/articles) to be transported without outer packaging if they are secured against shifting in cages, carts, bins, boxes, compartments, or by other means. This change aligns batteries with other materials of trade and can reduce packaging cost and labor.
Estimated Annualized Cost Savings to Businesses
PHMSA estimates the rule will produce annualized cost savings of $14.4 million (2024 dollars) for American businesses over a 10-year analysis period. PHMSA used both 3% and 7% discount rates and reports the same annualized savings under each rate.
New Securing, Labeling, and Notification Rules
Batteries (including those in equipment) must be packaged or secured to prevent short circuits, shifting damage, and accidental activation. Packages exceeding 30 kg (66 pounds) of batteries must carry a Class 9 label and applicable four-digit UN identification number, and vehicle operators must be informed of hazardous materials on board.
Sodium‑Ion and Large Portable Generators Not Included
PHMSA declined requests to extend the MOT lithium-battery allowance to sodium‑ion batteries and declined to increase the 30 kg/500 kg limits to accommodate portable power stations (battery 'generators'). Those requests were not adopted in this final rule and PHMSA may consider them in a future rulemaking.
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Key Dates
Department and Agencies
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