Trucking regulations are ever-evolving as new challenges within the industry present themselves. Staying current with new regulations is important to your trucking business and its long-term viability.
In 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, trucking’s federal regulation agency, introduced a number of changes to federal trucking laws. These changes impact everything from driver recruitment and ELDs to roadside inspections and commercial truck parking. Some changes have already been implemented, and others are set to roll out later this year.
This blog provides you with a comprehensive overview of recent and upcoming FMCSA regulatory changes. Read on to discover how you can achieve compliance with these new regulations and avoid costly penalties.
Recent Updates (July 2025)
In July of 2025, the FMCSA implemented several significant changes to trucking regulations that impact electronic logging devices (ELDs) and medical certification processes.
ELD Device Removals
The FMCSA removed two devices, the WALKER ELD and SR ELD, from its list of registered devices. Both devices were unable to meet the minimum requirements established for ELDs by the FMCSA. Carriers have up to 60 days to replace these ELDs with compliant ELDs. To transition to a compliant device, simply:
- Discontinue using the revoked ELDs.
- Use paper logs or logging software to track and record required HOS data.
- Replace ELDs with compliant devices from the FMCSA’s registered devices list before September 29, 2025.
Medical Examiner's Certificate Waiver
The FMCSA has granted a waiver that allows interstate CDL holders, commercial learner’s permit holders, and carriers to use paper copies of medical examiner’s certificates for up to 15 days after the date the certificate is issued. This waiver aims to address any delays that occur as state licensing agencies transition to accepting electronic submissions of driver medical certification information. This waiver remains in effect until October 12, 2025.
Major Regulatory Changes (June 2025)
The FMCSA introduced several other significant regulatory changes that went into effect in June of 2025.
Pro-Trucker Package Initiative
In June of 2025, U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy introduced a “Pro-Trucker Package” initiative of regulatory changes “designed to improve the lives of America’s truck drivers.” These driver-focused improvements include withdrawal of speed limited rulemaking/speed limiters, funding for commercial truck parking, and the launch of two HOS pilot programs.
CDL Program Enhancements
The FMCSA also introduced several changes to its CDL program in June. These include an additional $90 million in CDLPI grant funding designed to improve states’ CDL programs. Also included is the removal of diversity, equity, and inclusion requirements for CDLPI grant eligibility. The US Department of Transportation (DOT) launched a nationwide audit of how states issue non-domiciled CDLs in June, as well. The goal of the non-domiciled CDL audit is to prevent unqualified drivers from obtaining licenses and increase road safety.
Digital Medical Certification (NRII)
In June, the FMCSA mandated electronic transmission of medical certification data for commercial truck drivers. As a result, certified medical examiners must now upload DOT driver physical exam results directly to the FMCSA’s online national registry within 24 hours of the exam. The change is predicted to increase accuracy in reporting, improve efficiency, and reduce fraud. This rule was initially published in 2015 but June 23, 2025, was designated as the final compliance date of the NRII rule. For more information, check out the FMCSA’s fact sheet on NRII compliance.
Deregulatory Actions (May 2025)
In addition to introducing new laws and regulations in 2025, the US DOT announced 52 deregulatory changes in May of 2025. These changes aim to eliminate or amend rules that aren’t safety-related or that duplicate existing rules.
Burden Reduction Initiatives
These 52 deregulatory actions were instituted across the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), FMCSA, and National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (HTSA). Within the FMCSA, 18 rule changes aimed at simplifying regulatory compliance were instituted in May of 2025. These changes included: simplifying CDL standards for military personnel, removal of self-reporting of vehicle violations requirement, new definitions for “medical treatment” in accident reporting, reduction of paperwork associated with roadside inspections, permitting DVIRs to be submitted electronically, and no longer requiring drivers keep ELD manuals in their trucks.
Key Deregulatory Changes
Here, we take a closer look at four key changes that you should have on your radar.
- Modified accident reporting definitions: The FMCSA is now excluding diagnostic imaging like x-rays and CT scans from its definition of “medical treatment” when it comes to accident reporting.
- Removal of CDL self-reporting requirements: Under the new rule, CDL holders no longer are required to self-report moving violations to their state licensing agency.
- Updated vehicle inspection report requirements: The FMCSA now explicitly accepts electronic DVIRs and does not require paper copies of these docs.
- Clarified ELD manual requirements: While drivers are still responsible for using and knowing how to use their ELDs, the new rule means drivers no longer have to carry a physical ELD user manual in their cabs.
Learn more about the 18 changes implemented by the FMCSA in May of 2025.
Critical Upcoming Changes
In addition to rules issued by the FMCSA earlier this year, there is one major regulatory change on the immediate horizon that is likely to impact your operations.
MC Number Elimination (October 1, 2025)
Effective October 1, 2025, the FMCSA will eliminate MC numbers. All motor carriers will use their USDOT numbers as primary identifiers to streamline registration, simplify compliance, and reduce fraud. Under the new system, you will need Login.gov account credentials to register with the FMCSA. See the FMCSA’s Registration Modernization FAQs for more information on this change. Note that all motor carriers must register in the FMCSA’s new system, which will be launched later in 2025.
BONUS: Compliance Strategy Checklist
Being proactive and staying ahead of regulatory changes can help you avoid costly penalties and increase efficiency in your operations. Use this quick and dirty checklist in your approach to compliance.
Immediate Action Items
- Review and update company policies
- Implement comprehensive driver training programs
- Audit current ELD and medical certification systems
- Prepare for MC number transition
Technology Solutions
- Fleet management software utilization
- Automated compliance monitoring
- Digital documentation systems
- Regular system updates and maintenance
Ongoing Compliance Management
- Regular internal audits
- Continuous regulatory monitoring
- Staff training and education programs
- Professional compliance partnerships
Financial Impact Analysis
- Cost of non-compliance penalties
- Investment in compliance technology
- Training and implementation expenses
- Long-term operational benefits
Best Practices for Staying Current
- Reliable information sources
- Industry association participation
- Professional development and training
- Regulatory update monitoring systems
For further detail on these and other FMCSA regulatory changes, visit https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov.