What does 49 CFR 390.3T (General applicability) require?

Short answer

49 CFR 390.3T requires the rules in this subchapter to be applicable to all employers, employees, and commercial motor vehicles that transport property or passengers in interstate commerce. The section also lists several exceptions and special applicability rules for certain types of carriers and vehicles.

The rule says

"The rules in this subchapter are applicable to all employers, employees, and commercial motor vehicles that transport property or passengers in interstate commerce." (49 CFR 390.3T(a)(1))

"The rules in 49 CFR 386.12(c) and 390.6 prohibiting the coercion of drivers of commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce: (i) To violate certain safety regulations are applicable to all motor carriers, shippers, receivers, and transportation intermediaries" (49 CFR 390.3T(a)(2))

In plain English

This section sets the scope of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations, making them applicable to all interstate commerce involving commercial motor vehicles. It also highlights the importance of preventing coercion of drivers to violate safety regulations. In practice, this means that any employer, employee, or commercial motor vehicle involved in interstate commerce must comply with the regulations outlined in this subchapter, unless specifically exempted. The exceptions listed in the section, such as for certain types of vehicles or operations, must be carefully reviewed to ensure compliance.

What to do

• Review the exceptions listed in 49 CFR 390.3T(f) to determine if any apply to your operations.
• Ensure that all employees and commercial motor vehicles involved in interstate commerce are aware of and comply with the regulations outlined in this subchapter.
• Implement procedures to prevent coercion of drivers to violate safety regulations, as required by 49 CFR 386.12(c) and 390.6.