Safety Requirements for Operators of Small Passenger-Carrying Commercial Motor Vehicles Used In Interstate Commerce

Summary: The FMCSA is proposing to amend the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to require that motor carriers operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), designed or used to transport between 9 and 15 passengers (including the driver), in interstate commerce comply with the safety regulations when they are directly compensated for such services, and the transportation of any passenger covers a distance greater than 75 air miles (86.3 statute miles or 138.9 kilometers). Motor carriers, drivers, and the vehicles operated by them would be subject to the same safety requirements imposed upon motorcoach operations, with the exception of the commercial driver's license, controlled substances and alcohol testing regulations. The agency is proposing that any requirements implemented be made applicable to these motor carriers 90 days after the effective date of the final rule. This action is in response to section 212 of the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999 (MCSIA).