Passenger carriers may face new inspection program

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has taken the first steps toward a rule that would require states to establish a program for annual inspections of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) designed or used to transport passengers. The agency issued an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPRM) to review the effectiveness of existing federal inspection standards applicable to these types of vehicles to consider the costs and benefits of having a mandatory inspection program.

The rulemaking is required by the Motorcoach Enhanced Safety Act of 2012, which was part of the highway program act known as MAP-21.

Comments on the ANPRM are due June 27. For more information, read the April 27 Federal Register notice.