Why revised trucking regulations could pose new challenges for truck accident claims
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) wants to change many of the rules governing the trucking industry nationwide. Such changes could reshape how the industry is regulated and perhaps even how truck accidents are investigated, including crashes on busy Maryland highways like I-95, I-70, and the Baltimore Beltway (I-695).
For anyone injured in a crash involving an 18-wheeler or other large commercial truck, these changes could make it more challenging to prove liability, which involves determining who is legally responsible for the accident. That means victims could have a tougher time recovering full compensation. The Maryland truck accident attorneys at Goldberg Finnegan explain the proposed changes and how they may impact your legal rights following a serious truck crash.
What are the proposed FMCSA rule changes?
In May 2024, the FMCSA introduced 18 proposed revisions to its regulations governing commercial truck drivers and trucking companies. The federal agency claims the proposed changes would simplify and modernize trucking regulations, according to Husch Blackwell.
Recently, the FMCSA published 18 proposed changes and is seeking public comment on them for the next 60 days, according to FreightWaves, a source that reports on the trucking industry. If the changes take effect, eight existing FMSCA rules will be eliminated, and 10 existing rules will be revised.
8 Rules FMCSA Wants To Eliminate
- Truck Manual Requirement – Truckers would no longer be required to keep an electronic logging device (ELD) manual in the cab.
- Self-Reporting Tickets – CDL holders would not have to report traffic violations to their home state, since states now share this data electronically.
- Spare Fuse Rule – Truckers would no longer need to carry spare fuses for vehicle equipment.
- Rear Guard Labels – New trailers would not need certification labels on rear impact guards.
- Retroreflective Tape on Old Trailers – Older trailers built before 1993 would no longer need reflective tape retrofits.
- Liquid-Burning Flares – The FMCSA would remove references to outdated emergency flares.
- “Water Carriers” Language – The term “water carriers” would be removed from federal rules.
- Vision Waiver Provision – The outdated vision waiver grandfather rule would be eliminated.
10 Rules FMCSA Wants To Revise
- Railroad crossings – Remove the requirement that some vehicles have to stop at all railroad crossings. Instead, all commercial vehicles could drive across railroad tracks without stopping if it’s clearly safe.
- Digital inspection reports – Drivers would be allowed to submit vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs) electronically, rather than using paper forms.
- Roadside inspections – Drivers would only have to send inspection reports to states that actually request them.
- Fuel tank fill limits – The current 95% fuel tank limit would be removed since newer tank designs prevent overfilling issues.
- Military CDL exemption – U.S. Reserve Technicians would qualify for the same commercial driver’s license (CDL) exemption available to National Guard techs.
- Conveyor brake rule – Older trucks with portable conveyors (pre-2010) did not require brakes on every wheel.
- Small auxiliary tanks – Gravity-fed fuel systems with a capacity of under five gallons would be allowed, provided they are used only when the truck is parked.
- Medical treatment definition – After an accident, X-rays and CT scans would not be considered “medical treatment” since they’re used solely for diagnosis, not for treatment.
- License plate lights – Truck tractors pulling trailers wouldn’t need plate lights if the plate isn’t visible.
- Tire labels – Tires wouldn’t need load markings printed on the side as long as weight limits are followed.
How could these rule changes impact truck crash cases in Maryland?
Hundreds of serious truck accidents occur every year in Maryland. In 2022 alone, there were 3,853 crashes involving large trucks statewide, including 65 fatal crashes and 1,508 injury crashes, according to the Maryland Department of Transportation’s most recent Maryland Crash Data Dashboard.
If the FMCSA weakens or eliminates existing rules that help investigators determine fault—such as inspection requirements, driver logs, or maintenance obligations—critical evidence could be harder to collect. That creates a real risk for injury victims trying to hold trucking companies accountable for their actions.
What are the most common FMCSA violations linked to crashes?
Even before these changes take effect, federal inspection data shows that many commercial trucking companies already struggle with compliance. These safety lapses often cause preventable truck crashes on Maryland roads. Top FMCSA violations include:
- Hours-of-Service (HOS) Violations – Truckers driving too long without rest increase the risk of drowsy driving. In 2023, HOS violations remained among the most cited issues nationwide (FMCSA data).
- Vehicle Maintenance Failures – Faulty brakes, bald tires, and defective lights are all red flags. Brake problems are consistently the number one vehicle-related violation in roadside inspections.
- Improper Driver Licensing – Some truckers operate without the right credentials or endorsements, which can be deadly.
- Unsecured Cargo – Shifting loads can cause trucks to jackknife or roll over, especially on curved roads or steep grades.
- Distracted or Impaired Driving – Despite federal bans on handheld device use and strict drug/alcohol testing rules, violations persist.
Why truck accident cases require a different approach
Truck accident cases differ significantly from regular car crashes. They involve more evidence, often with multiple at-fault parties and multiple legal teams working for powerful insurance carriers and trucking companies.
If the FMCSA makes it more difficult to access electronic logs, safety records, or maintenance data, attorneys representing truck accident victims will need to act even more quickly to preserve key evidence. Black box data, inspection reports, driver qualification files, and drug testing records could disappear if not preserved promptly.
Talk to a Maryland truck accident lawyer today
Truck crashes often leave victims with huge medical bills, long recovery periods, and lost income. At Goldberg Finnegan, we understand what’s at stake. That’s why we want to help. Our Maryland truck accident attorneys have helped many Maryland families recover millions in compensation, including $4.975 million in one motor vehicle accident case. Our case results speak for themselves.
If you or a loved one was injured in a Maryland truck accident, don’t wait to get legal help. Contact us to schedule a free case evaluation with a trusted Silver Spring truck accident attorney who will be there for you in a crisis. We handle injury claims and lawsuits throughout Maryland.
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