DOT Reverses Speed-Limiter Rule, Commits $275M to Truck Parking and Flexibility in HOS Regulations

In a sweeping move aimed at reducing regulatory pressure on America’s truck drivers, the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has officially scrapped a proposed rule mandating speed limiters on heavy-duty trucks.  The decision, announced on June 27 by Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy, is part of a larger package of initiatives designed to improve conditions for drivers and the broader trucking industry.

The move stems from an Executive Order issued by President Donald Trump, which called for the rollback of burdensome regulations and emphasized empowering the essential trucking workforce.  The now-defunct proposal would have required speed-limiting devices on trucks, buses, and multipurpose passenger vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds.  A joint effort between the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration and FMCSA dating back to 2016 had suggested speed caps of 60, 65, or 68 mph.  When FMCSA revived the proposal in 2022, it received nearly 16,000 public comments—many voicing strong opposition. 

“For too long Washington, D.C., has made work harder for truckers,” said Secretary Duffy.  “That ends today.  Thanks to President Trump, we’re getting Washington out of your trucks and your business.”

Truck Parking Now a "National Priority" 

In a move lauded by drivers and safety advocates alike, DOT has also announced that expanding truck parking has been designated a “national priority” under Jason’s Law.  First enacted in 2012 and named in memory of truck driver Jason Rivenburg—who was murdered while parked at an unsafe location due to lack of legal rest options—the law has come to symbolize the need for adequate and secure truck parking.

The DOT is committing over $275 million toward expanding truck parking capacity nationwide, a significant step in addressing a long-standing concern within the industry.  Drivers often report losing hours of productivity while searching for legal parking spots—an issue that not only affects delivery times and driver earnings but also road safety. 

Pilot Programs for Hours-of-Service Flexibility

The package includes upcoming FMCSA pilot programs aimed at giving drivers more flexibility in how they manage their federally mandated hours-of-service (HOS).  The planned programs will test: 

  • Splitting the 10-hour off-duty period into combinations such as 6/4 or 5/5.
  • Pausing the 14-hour on-duty window for breaks ranging from 30 minutes to three hours.

This approach seeks to accommodate real-world demands drivers face daily, like long waits at docks or unpredictable traffic, without penalizing their logbooks or compromising safety. 

Industry Response: A Divided but Hopeful Outlook

The rollback of the speed-limiter proposal was welcomed by the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA).  President Todd Spencer applauded the move, stating:

“These steps not only improve the daily lives of truckers across America, but also enhance safety for everyone on the road… Truckers have urged Washington to address the severe shortage of truck parking, eliminate the dangers posed by a national speed-limiter mandate and give drivers greater control over their hours of service.” 

However, American Trucking Associations (ATA), which had supported speed limiters in the past, responded with cautious optimism.  ATA President and CEO Chris Spear emphasized the importance of “data-driven” safety measures and welcomed the broader regulatory relief efforts: 

“A safe and strong trucking industry is critical to America’s economic growth and security… We look forward to continued partnership with the administration to advance policies that strengthen America’s supply chain and bolster our essential workforce.” 

With the elimination of a controversial speed-limiter mandate, a landmark investment in truck parking, and more realistic approaches to HOS compliance, the DOT’s new initiatives reflect a shift toward empowering drivers and addressing their long-voiced concerns.  As the industry continues to evolve in response to economic demands, workforce challenges, and safety goals, these reforms could serve as a turning point in restoring balance between regulation and operational freedom.

For America’s truckers, the road ahead just got a little less restrictive—and a lot more promising.

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