Latest Updates on FMCSA: What Truckers and Fleets Should Know Right Now
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration made some significant announcements in November 2025 that you should definitely be aware of.
Changes outlined in the newsletter affect important aspects of your business most directly: the record-keeping of the hours, the checking of their licenses, and the driver’s behavior while passing the emergency scenes.
Interested in knowing what is behind these decisions? Here is a detailed overview. 👇🏻
Five More Electronic Logging Devices Removed
On November 20, the FMCSA delisted five ELDs from their official register due to these devices not meeting the federal standards anymore. Those fleets that are equipped with these devices should be changing to compliant devices or using other approved logging methods by January 20, 2026, at the latest.
It means that if a carrier has a non-compliant electronic device, it will be equivalent to the absence of an ELD, and thus may result in citations and out-of-service orders.
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This change affects more than just the truck's equipment. It directly impacts how driver hours are recorded and verified. Using an unapproved device may lead to inaccuracies in the logs that could cause you to be fined or have your inspection delayed.
It takes the fleet managers, drivers, and ELD providers working together to update the devices smoothly. It is necessary to train drivers on an unfamiliar system to avoid any confusion and compliance gaps.
It may be comfortable to postpone the change for a while, but you are actually risking interruptions in your operations and penalties. Taking the initiative now will spare you the trouble later and keep your fleet compliant.
The FMCSA's decision also shows that the agency is committed to data integrity and that it is concerned that the technology that fleets rely on should be compatible with the changes in safety standards.
At a time when precise electronic records are fundamental for compliance and enforcement, this action is communicating very clearly.
Pennsylvania CDL Audit Spotlights Licensing Integrity
On the same day, FMCSA revealed that an audit found that Pennsylvania issued thousands of commercial driver’s licenses to foreign drivers who did not meet federal qualification requirements.
This discovery puts Pennsylvania’s nearly $75 million in federal highway funding at risk if these licenses are not revoked.
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For carriers, this situation serves as a serious warning. Every driver’s license on your roster must be valid and properly issued. Having drivers with invalid licenses exposes your operation to legal liabilities, potential insurance issues, and disruptions in service.
More importantly, a commercial driver’s license is proof that the driver has completed the necessary training and testing to operate heavy vehicles safely. If the licensing system is compromised, safety is compromised as well.
This audit also signals that FMCSA and DOT are likely to increase scrutiny of CDL programs in other states. Fleets should review their driver credentials regularly to avoid unexpected problems.
Crash Responder Safety Week Highlights Move Over Law
FMCSA and the Department of Transportation recognized Crash Responder Safety Week in the first half of November. They brought up the matter of the risks that first responders face in these situations. Secondary accidents caused by people who do not slow down or move over are still the main sources of danger for first responders, other drivers, and passengers.
For truck drivers, it cannot be more explicit than this. Reducing speed and changing lane when coming to an emergency scene is, in most states, a requirement of the law, but it is also an essential safety measure that should be taken. Thus, it not only shields the responders who are reading the situation at the roadside, but it also helps in lowering the chance of any other accidents that may result in making the situation more difficult.
There are programs like Traffic Incident Management that help responders be more efficient and safe when managing crash scenes, but the way drivers behave around these scenes is still a very important safety factor. Drivers who get this message are more likely to behave correctly. The road becomes a safer place, and there is a reduction in traffic jams that can be very time-consuming and costly.
Now, it is the moment to take action. Have a look at your ELDs, checking every driver’s license, and getting the safe driving habits strengthened.
