Category: FMCSA

Compliance review An onsite examination of motor carrier operations, such as drivers’ hours of service, maintenance and inspection, driver qualification, Commercial Driver’s License requirements, financial responsibility, accidents, hazardous materials, and other safety and transportation records to determine whether a motor carrier meets the safety fitness standard. A compliance review may be conducted to investigate potential… Continue reading Compliance review

Commercial Motor Vehicle (as defined in 49 CFR 390.5) Any self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway in interstate commerce to transport passengers or property when the vehicle: Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating, or gross vehicle weight or gross combination weight, of 4,536 kg (10,001 pounds) or… Continue reading Commercial Motor Vehicle (as defined in 49 CFR 390.5)

Commercial Motor Vehicle (As defined in 49 CFR 383.5) This additional definition only applies to regulations in 49 CFR 383. A motor vehicle or combination of motor vehicles used in commerce to transport passengers or property if the motor vehicle is a: Combination Vehicle (Group A)—having a gross combination weight rating or gross combination weight… Continue reading Commercial Motor Vehicle

Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP) A CLP is issued to an individual by a State or other jurisdiction of domicile. See 49 CFR 383.25. When carried with a valid driver’s license issued by the same State or jurisdiction, it authorizes the individual to operate a class of CMV when accompanied by a holder of a valid CDL… Continue reading Commercial Learner’s Permit (CLP)

Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS) Established by FMCSA pursuant to section 12007 of the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1986. CDLIS enables the States to exchange information about the driving records and driver’s licenses of CMV drivers. CDLIS helps ensure: Only one license is issued to a driver; and Drivers currently disqualified are… Continue reading Commercial Driver’s License Information System (CDLIS)

Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) A type of driver’s license required to operate large or heavy vehicles. Requires a higher level of knowledge, experience, skills, and physical abilities than that required to drive a non-commercial vehicle.  CDL holders are held to a higher standard when operating any type of vehicle on public roads.

Coercion A threat or act by someone to withhold business or work opportunities, or any adverse employment action, against another individual in order to make that person violate rules or regulations. FMCSA adopted a Coercion Rule on Nov. 30, 2015, the details of which are explained in 49 CFR 390.6

Brake inspector Any employee who is responsible for ensuring that all brake inspections, maintenance, service, or repairs meet Federal standards.

Alcohol Alcohol is the intoxicating agent in beverage alcohol, ethyl alcohol, or other low molecular weight alcohols including methyl and isopropyl alcohol.

Acute noncompliance Violation(s) that require immediate corrective actions by a carrier, regardless of the carrier’s overall safety posture.