About this Guide

This guide is intended to provide educational and technical assistance to the motor carrier industry and provide basic guidance on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). It is not intended to be a substitute for the regulations. To purchase a complete copy of the FMCSRs, Parts 300-399, contact the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, telephone number: (866) 512-1800 (in the Washington, DC Metro area (202) 512-1800) or at www.access.gpo.gov.

This guide is comprised of eleven parts, each containing a specific safety regulation topic that is covered in the FMCSRs. These parts are listed in the Table of Contents. Each part contains information sheets that cover the highlights of that section. Some sections contain sample forms and we encourage you to reproduce any or all material in this package and to distribute copies as needed.

It is the responsibility of motor carrier operators and drivers to know and comply with all applicable FMCSRs. Safety compliance and safe operations translate into saved lives and property. We believe the information in this package, when effectively applied, will contribute to safer motor carrier operations and highways.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to assure that the information provided here is complete and accurate; it is not intended to take the place of published agency regulations. The document paraphrases the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations published in Title 49 of the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations. The contents may not be relied upon as a substitute for the most current official text. The regulations issued by the U.S. Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations are published in the Federal Register and compiled in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).The Agency cannot assume any responsibility for omissions, errors, misprinting, or ambiguity contained within this publication and shall not be held liable in any degree for any loss or injury caused by such omission, error, misprinting, or ambiguity presented in this publication.

This publication is designed to provide reasonably accurate and authoritative information in regard to the subject matter covered. It is sold with the understanding that the Publisher is not engaged in rendering legal or other professional service. If legal advice or other expert assistance is required, the services of a competent professional person should be sought.This publication is distributed by the U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in the interest of information exchange.

The United States Government assumes no liability for its contents or use thereof. If trade or manufacturers’ names or products are mentioned, it is only because they are considered essential to the object of the publication and should not be construed as an endorsement. The United States Government does not endorse products or manufacturers.