LawyersUSA

In January 2007, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration proposed federal regulations for newer electronic recorders that track the number of hours a truck is on the road.

The proposed regulation, 49 CFR 395.16, would make it mandatory for certain carriers with hours-of-service violations to install "electronic on-board recorders" (EOBRs).

Specifically, companies with a ten percent or greater violation rate for two compliance reviews within a two-year period would be required to install the devices.

The proposed reg would also allow carriers that have installed older EOBRs voluntarily before a final rule is implemented to use such a device until the end of its service life.

Over 1,000 comments were submitted during the comments period.

The American Trucking Association supports voluntary adoption of EOBRs, but opposes mandatory installation because of the cost.

The Truck Safety Coalition, a citizens' group, criticized the proposed rule on its website as too weak and urged a stricter rule mandating use of EOBRs.

A final rule is expected this fall.

Click here for main story: "Hi-tech devices leave trail of evidence in trucking litigation"

–Sylvia Hsieh