DOT Moves to Cut Dozens of Trucking Regulations: A Push for Practical Deregulation

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has announced a sweeping initiative aimed at modernizing and reducing the regulatory burden on the trucking industry.  In a move lauded by some as long overdue and criticized by others for potentially impacting safety oversight, the DOT’s May 29 proposal includes rescinding or revising more than two dozen federal regulations, many of which are considered outdated or unnecessarily cumbersome for truckers and fleet operators. 

A Clear Message from Leadership

Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy described the initiative as a way to "slash duplicative and outdated regulations that are unnecessarily burdensome, waste taxpayer dollars, and fail to ensure safety."  He stressed that the reforms are intended to support a larger initiative to make the government more streamlined and adaptable to the current demands of the transportation sector.  “Big government has been a big failure,” Duffy said.  “These are common-sense changes.” 

Branded as “Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation,” the initiative fits within a wider national push to cut through red tape and enhance overall economic performance.

Key Changes Proposed 

While some of the regulations targeted for repeal are technical or administrative, the DOT maintains that the total effect will be significant — both in terms of operational clarity and cost reduction.

Among the most notable changes: 

• Certification Labeling on Rear-Impact Guards: The requirement for permanent certification labeling on rear-impact guards may be rescinded, reducing manufacturing and compliance costs.
• Self-Reporting by CDL Holders: Commercial drivers may no longer be required to self-report traffic violations to their home state — a rule viewed as duplicative given that such data is already collected and shared electronically.
• Lighting and Reflective Equipment Exceptions: Minor but impactful changes include exempting truck tractors from lamp requirements for license plate lights while towing, and ending the mandate for retroreflective sheeting on trailers — already standard on most modern rigs.
• Tire Marking Revisions: FMCSA will clarify that load restriction markings on commercial vehicle tires are no longer necessary, simplifying compliance for tire manufacturers and operators.
• Obsolete Equipment Standards: Certain safety standards, such as those related to seating systems, side impact protection, and roof crush resistance, are being amended or removed due to redundancy or technological obsolescence.
• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Manual Requirement Dropped: Carriers will no longer need to maintain a list of ELD vendors or keep in-vehicle ELD manuals.
• Inspection Form Changes: Carriers and intermodal equipment providers may be relieved of the requirement to sign and return roadside inspection forms.

In line with regulatory updates, the DOT also intends to revise how “medical treatment” is defined in crash reports, ensuring consistency with the most recent guidance from the FMCSA. 

A Lighter Regulatory Footprint

Beyond individual rule changes, the cumulative impact of this deregulatory package is substantial.  DOT estimates it will remove over 73,000 words from the Federal Register, streamlining the federal code and making it more accessible for those navigating transportation regulations. 

English Proficiency Back in the Spotlight

The May 29 proposal also ties in with a recent executive order by President Donald Trump, which mandates that all U.S. commercial drivers demonstrate proficiency in speaking and reading English.  The executive order also increases oversight of commercial driver’s licenses granted to non-U.S. residents and instructs Secretary Duffy to rescind previous administration policies that relaxed enforcement of English language standards during roadside checks. 

A Bigger Picture of Reform

This deregulatory effort is part of a larger regulatory strategy spearheaded by the Trump administration.  Earlier this year, the President introduced an aggressive “10-for-1” rule, requiring agencies to identify and eliminate at least ten outdated regulations for every new one introduced.  This is a significant escalation from the “2-for-1” requirement issued during Trump’s first term in office. 

DOT’s actions reflect an increased emphasis on gathering feedback from the trucking industry itself, including independent drivers, trade associations, and small businesses.  These stakeholders have been asked to contribute ideas to ensure regulations are legally sound, efficient, and cost-effective.

While some may view these changes as minor tweaks to an already complex system, the DOT argues that even small revisions can have major implications for compliance costs, operational efficiency, and industry morale.  Critics will rightly question the balance between deregulation and safety, but supporters see it as a necessary reset — one that could foster innovation and economic growth in a sector vital to America's supply chain. 

As with all regulatory shifts, the final impact will depend on implementation, oversight, and the extent to which industry and government continue to collaborate.  For now, though, it’s clear: the DOT is hitting the gas on deregulation.