Rules of Practice for Motor Carrier Proceedings; Investigations; Disqualifications and Penalties

Summary: The FHWA proposes to amend its rules of practice for motor carrier safety, hazardous materials, and other enforcement proceedings, motor carrier safety rating procedures, driver qualification proceedings, and its schedule of penalties for violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and the Hazardous Materials Regulations. The FHWA further proposes to add provisions on investigative authority and procedures and general motor carrier responsibilities. These rules would increase the efficiency of the practices, consolidate existing administrative review procedures, enhance due process and the awareness of the public and regulated community, and accommodate recent programmatic changes. The rules would apply to all motor carriers, other business entities, and individuals involved in motor carrier safety and hazardous materials administrative actions and proceedings with the FHWA after the effective date of the final rule.