Table of Contents

DRIVE-Safe Act
Hours of Service - In effect 9/29/2020
Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
CDLs and CBD Usage
Electronic Logging Devices (ELD)
CSA Safety Ratings
Entry Level Driver Training - Effective February 2022
Human Trafficking Resources
Agency Websites

DRIVE-Safe Act
The Developing Responsible Individuals for a Vibrant Economy Act, or DRIVE-Safe Act creates a pathway for 18-21 year olds to receive their CDL for interstate travel if they complete rigorous training programs.

Hours of Service
The FMCSA's new hours of service rules went into 9/29/2020. Most critically, drivers will now be required to take a 30 minute rest break only after 8 hours of driving time rather than 8 hours of on-duty time. The new rules also make changes to the short haul exemption, adverse driving condition exception and the sleeper berth provisions. Information on the new rules is available here. A lawsuit against the rules has been filed by safety groups and the Teamsters but no action has been taken in the case thus far. 

Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
As of January 6, 2020, truck drivers are required to register and give their consent for motor carriers to check their record. Employers subject to the rule arerequired to query the Clearinghouse as part of every pre-employment driver investigation, and at least annually for drivers they employ to verify they do not have an unresolved drug and alcohol program violation.  Employers will be charged a fee for conducting queries and plans are available for purchase. More information is here. 

CDL's and CBD Usage
The Department of Transportation Office of Drug and Alcohol Policy and Compliance has strongly cautioned truck drivers and other safety-sensitive employees subject to federal drug testing under 49 CFR (Code of Federal Regulations) part 40 about the use of CBD oil and other “cannabidiol” products.  The labeling of many CBD products may be misleading because the products could contain higher levels of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) than what’s stated on the product label leading to a positive test.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELD)
The FMCSA's Electronic on Board Recorder Final Rule requires that ELD’s record vehicle location at every change of duty status and at a minimum of 60 minute intervals and must be able to transfer data electronically for roadside inspections.  

The FMCSA published an ELD guide for drivers. Designed to be printed and stored under the visor of a commercial vehicle, the publication provides both an overview and troubleshooting tips for common questions or concerns that arise during data transfer. 

CSA Safety Ratings

Compliance Safety and Accountability (CSA) is an FMCSA safety compliance and enforcement program.

Driver Training

Entry-Level Driver Training
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Entry-Level Driver Training goes into effect  February 7, 2022. The national training requirements revise the standards required for new commercial vehicle driver’s licenses and inculde a Training Provider Registry of certified providers.

Veteran Drivers
The FMCSA's has a program to expedite commercial drivers licensing for veterans.

Human Trafficking Resources
The Department of Homeland Security provides resources on how to recognize and respond to human trafficking.
Truckers Against Trafficking supplies training and certification programs for motor carriers.

Transportation Agency Websites

Department of Transportation
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Federal Highway Administration
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration