FMCSA Amends Weight Definition

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration amended its definition of “gross combination weight rating” to clarify enforcement practices when single-unit trucks are towing trailers.

The final rule is intended to provide an easy way to determine if a driver of the configuration must have a commercial driver license.

The change comes in response to a petition from the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance, which represents enforcement officers who have found it difficult to determine the status of these rigs.

The final rule could potentially affect pickup trucks towing trailers, said Ted Scott, director of engineering services for American Trucking Associations.