On Nov. 9, 2021, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) published amendments to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) regarding rear impact guards for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). Rear impact guards must now be examined as a part of the annual inspection for commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). In addition, the FMCSA amended the labeling requirements for rear impact guards and excludes road construction controlled (RCC) horizontal discharge trailers from the rear impact guard requirements. The rule goes into effect on Dec. 9, 2021.
On Dec. 29, 2020, the FMCSA proposed these amendments to the FMCSRs and had the public comment period open until March 21, 2021.
The FMCSA Amends CMV Inspection Rules
Rear Impact Guard Inspection Requirements
The FMCSRs have required rear impact guards since 1952 and require all CMVs to be systematically inspected, repaired and maintained to ensure all required parts and accessories are in safe and proper operating condition at all times. Rear impacts are now included on the list of components that must be inspected during the annual CMV inspection.
Other Changes
The amendments changed the labeling requirements for rear impact guards and excluded the RCC horizontal discharge trailers from the rear impact guard requirements. RCCs have also been added to the list of vehicles that are not required to have a rear impact guard, consistent with changes made by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) to the corresponding Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS).
Specifically, the rear impact guard certification label may now be on the forward- or rear-facing surface of the horizontal member of the guard, provided it does not interfere with the retroreflective sheeting required by the FMVSS.
