(a) This part establishes the FMCSA’s procedures to determine the safety fitness of motor carriers, to assign safety ratings, to direct motor carriers to take remedial action when required, and to prohibit motor carriers receiving a safety rating of “unsatisfactory” from operating a CMV.

(b) This part establishes the safety assurance program for a new entrant motor carrier initially seeking to register with FMCSA to conduct interstate operations. It also describes the consequences that will occur if the new entrant fails to maintain adequate basic safety management controls.

(c) This part establishes the safety permit program for a motor carrier to transport the types and quantities of hazardous materials listed in §385.403.

(d) The provisions of this part apply to all motor carriers subject to the requirements of this subchapter, except non-business private motor carriers of passengers.

[56 FR 40805, Aug. 16, 1991; 65 FR 50934, Aug. 22, 2000; 67 FR 31983, May 13, 2002; 69 FR 39367, June 30, 2004]