FMCSA Proposes to Remove CDL Holders’ Requirement to Self-report Violations

On May 30, 2025, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) proposed to revise its regulations requiring commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders to self-report motor vehicle violations to their state of domicile. With the implementation of the exclusive electronic exchange of violations between state driver’s licensing agencies (SDLAs) in 2024, self-reporting is no longer necessary.

Comments are due by July 29, 2025.

Background

The Exclusive Electronic Exchange federal mandate became effective on Aug. 23, 2021, requiring that SDLAs implement a system for the exclusive, electronic exchange of driver history record information through the Commercial Driver’s License Information System. This included posting information about convictions, withdrawals and disqualifications related to commercial drivers. The purpose of this federal mandate was to align FMCSA’s regulations with existing statutory requirements outlined in the Moving Ahead for Progress in the 21st Century Act (otherwise known as MAP-21). States were required to achieve substantial compliance with this requirement by Aug. 22, 2024.

Key Highlights

Under the proposed revisions, the FMCSA wants to remove the redundant requirement that a CDL holder notify their state of domicile when they are convicted of certain motor vehicle violations, since states have been fulfilling this task exclusively using electronic reporting requirements since 2024. The FMCSA has determined that it is unnecessary to continue having a regulatory back-up mechanism in place.

This proposed revision would change the notification of convictions for driver violations, 49 CFR § 383.31. It would remove the section of the rule that requires CDL holders who are convicted of certain motor vehicle violations to notify the SDLA in their state of domicile of the violation. This notification now happens at the state/SDLA level. Therefore, it is redundant to require the CDL holder to also make the notification.

More Information

Motor carriers and drivers should review the proposed rules to ensure they are aware of the potential revisions.

Highlights

• Comments on the proposed rule are due by July 29, 2025.
• The FMCSA is proposing to remove the requirement that a CDL holder notify their state of domicile when they are convicted of certain motor vehicle violations, as it’s redundant when the states have already been fulfilling this task electronically.

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