[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 165 (Friday, August 26, 2005)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 50269-50277]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-16967]



[[Page 50269]]

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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

49 CFR Part 393

[Docket No. FMCSA-01-10886]
RIN 2126--AA69


Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Certification 
of Compliance With Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards; Withdrawal

AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM); withdrawal.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) 
withdraws its March 19, 2002, notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM), 
which proposed requiring each commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operating 
in interstate commerce to display a label applied by the vehicle 
manufacturer or a registered importer to document the vehicle's 
compliance with all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards 
(FMVSSs) in effect as of the date of manufacture. We issued the NPRM in 
coordination with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration 
(NHTSA), which published on the same day three companion notices 
related to the FMVSS certification requirement. Although the NPRM would 
have applied to all CMVs operated in the United States, its greatest 
impact would have been on motor carriers domiciled in Canada and 
Mexico. In withdrawing the NPRM, we conclude the proposed FMVSS 
certification label requirement is not necessary to ensure the safe 
operation of CMVs on our nation's highways. Vehicles operated by 
Canada-domiciled motor carriers meet Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety 
Standards (CMVSSs), which are consistent with the FMVSSs in all 
significant respects. Furthermore, since the FMVSSs critical to the 
operational safety of CMVs are cross-referenced in the Federal Motor 
Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), FMCSA, in consultation with NHTSA, 
has determined it can most effectively achieve the compliance of CMVs 
with the FMVSS through enforcement measures and existing regulations 
ensuring compliance with the FMCSRs, making additional FMVSS 
certification-labeling regulation unnecessary.

DATES: The notice of proposed rulemaking published on March 19, 2002, 
at 67 FR 12782, is withdrawn as of August 26, 2005.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Deborah M. Freund, Office of Bus 
and Truck Standards and Operations, (202) 366-4009, Federal Motor 
Carrier Safety Administration, 400 Seventh Street, SW., Washington, DC 
20590-0001. Office hours are from 7:45 a.m. to 4:15 p.m., e.t., Monday 
through Friday, except Federal holidays.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: 

Background

    On March 19, 2002, FMCSA and NHTSA published four notices 
requesting public comments on regulations and policies directed at 
enforcement of the statutory prohibition on the importation of 
commercial motor vehicles that do not comply with the applicable 
FMVSSs. The notices were issued as follows: (1) FMCSA's notice of 
proposed rulemaking (NPRM) proposing to require motor carriers to 
ensure their vehicles display an FMVSS certification label (67 FR 
12782); (2) NHTSA's proposed rule to issue a regulation incorporating a 
1975 interpretation of the term ``import'' (67 FR 12806); (3) NHTSA's 
draft policy statement providing that a vehicle manufacturer may, if it 
has sufficient basis for doing so, retroactively certify a motor 
vehicle complied with all applicable FMVSSs in effect at the time of 
manufacture and affix a label attesting this (67 FR 12790); and (4) 
NHTSA's proposed rule concerning recordkeeping requirements for 
manufacturers that retroactively certify their vehicles (67 FR 12800).
    In addition to the proposal concerning FMVSS certification, FMCSA 
published on that same day (March 19, 2002) three interim rules and a 
final rule related to implementation of the North American Free Trade 
Agreement (NAFTA). The interim final rules were ``Application by 
Certain Mexico-Domiciled Motor Carriers To Operate Beyond United States 
Municipalities and Commercial Zones on the United States-Mexico 
Border'' (67 FR 12702), ``Safety Monitoring System and Compliance 
Initiative for Mexico-Domiciled Motor Carriers Operating in the United 
States'' (67 FR12758), and ``Certification of Safety Auditors, Safety 
Investigators, and Safety Inspectors'' (67 FR 12776). The final rule 
was ``Revision of Regulations and Application Form for Mexico-Domiciled 
Motor Carriers To Operate in United States Municipalities and 
Commercial Zones on the United States-Mexico Border'' (67 FR 12652).
    NHTSA and FMCSA have complementary responsibilities to ensure 
vehicle safety under their respective enabling legislation. NHTSA 
establishes manufacturing standards--the FMVSS--under authority of the 
National Traffic and Motor Vehicle Safety Act of 1966 (Pub. L. 89-563) 
(Vehicle Safety Act). Part 567 of title 49, Code of Federal Regulations 
(49 CFR Part 567), requires manufacturers or registered importers of 
motor vehicles built for sale or use in the United States to affix a 
label certifying the motor vehicle meets the applicable FMVSSs in 
effect on the date of manufacture.
    Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(a), the Secretary of Transportation 
(Secretary) has authority (delegated to FMCSA by 49 CFR 1.73) to 
prescribe minimum safety standards for commercial motor vehicles to 
ensure these vehicles are maintained, equipped, loaded, and operated 
safely. FMCSA also has been delegated authority to prescribe 
requirements for the safety of operation and equipment of motor 
carriers operating in interstate commerce. See 49 U.S.C. 31502(b). The 
agency's regulatory authority encompasses the safe operation of CMVs in 
interstate and foreign commerce, motor carriers conducting these 
operations, and CMV drivers. FMCSA's safety regulations, the Federal 
Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), are codified in 49 CFR parts 
325-399.
    FMCSA's withdrawal of this NPRM is consistent with NHTSA's Notice 
of Withdrawal of Proposed Policy Statement published elsewhere in 
today's Federal Register. NHTSA has decided to withdraw a 1975 
interpretation in which the agency had indicated that the Vehicle 
Safety Act is applicable to foreign-based motor carriers operating in 
the United States. Although FMCSA is withdrawing its NPRM, we will 
uphold the operational safety of commercial motor vehicles on the 
nation's highways--including that of Mexico-domiciled CMVs operating 
beyond the U.S.-Mexico border commercial zones--through continued 
vigorous enforcement of the FMCSRs, many of which cross-reference 
specific FMVSSs. Mexico-domiciled motor carriers are required under 49 
CFR 365.503(b)(2) and 368.3(b)(2) to certify on the application form 
for operating authority that all CMVs they intend to operate in the 
United States were built in compliance with the FMVSSs in effect at the 
time of manufacture. Further, 49 CFR 365.507(c) requires Mexico-
domiciled motor carriers to pass an FMCSA pre-authority safety audit 
before they are granted provisional authority to operate in the United 
States beyond the border commercial zones. This inspection will include 
checking compliance with part 393 of the FMCSRs and the FMVSSs they 
cross-reference. These vehicles also will be subject to inspection by 
enforcement

[[Page 50270]]

personnel at U.S.-Mexico border ports of entry and at roadside in the 
United States to ensure their compliance with applicable FMCSRs, 
including those that cross-reference the FMVSSs. For vehicles lacking a 
certification label, it has been determined that enforcement officials 
could, as necessary, refer to the VIN (vehicle identification number) 
in various locations on the vehicle. The VIN will assist inspectors in 
identifying the vehicle model year and country of manufacture to 
determine compliance with the FMVSS or CMVSS.
    As described in an FMCSA policy memorandum, ``Enforcement of 
Mexico-Domiciled Motor Carriers' Self-Certification of Compliance with 
Motor Vehicle Safety Standards,'' if FMCSA finds, during the pre-
authority audit or subsequent inspections, that a Mexico-domiciled 
carrier has falsely certified its vehicles as FMVSS compliant, we may 
use this information to deny, suspend, or revoke the carrier's 
operating authority or certification of registration or issue 
appropriate penalties for the falsification. We are issuing this policy 
memorandum to FMCSA field offices and our State enforcement partners 
under the Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP). A copy of 
the memorandum is available in the docket.

Discussion of Comments to the NPRM

    The following organizations commented on the agency's NPRM to 
require that motor carriers ensure their vehicles display an FMVSS 
certification label: Advocates for Highway and Auto Safety (Advocates); 
the Amalgamated Transit Union (ATU); the American Insurance Association 
(AIA); the American Trucking Associations (ATA); the Embassy of Canada 
(Canada); the Canadian Transportation Equipment Association (CTEA); the 
Canadian Trucking Alliance (CTA); the Canadian Vehicle Manufacturers 
Association (CVMA); the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA); the 
California Highway Patrol (CHP); Greyhound Lines, Inc. (Greyhound); the 
International Brotherhood of Teamsters (IBT); Manitoba Transportation 
and Government Services (Manitoba); the Missouri State Highway Patrol, 
Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division (Missouri CVED); the National 
Truck Equipment Association (NTEA); Public Citizen; the Transportation 
Trades Department, AFL-CIO (TTD); and the Truck Manufacturers 
Association (TMA).
    Many commenters submitted identical comments to the dockets for the 
FMCSA and NHTSA proposals published on March 19, 2002, as well as to 
the four other NAFTA-related rules FMCSA published that day. The 
comments summarized below are discussed in the context of FMCSA's NPRM 
regarding the FMVSS certification label.

General Comments

    Most of the commenters expressed concern that the proposal would 
require a complex and difficult-to-implement process involving 
replacement of compliance labels and re-creation of manufacturers' 
performance test documentation for vehicles long in use. Many 
commenters noted this would not address the fundamentals of what is 
necessary to ensure CMVs operate safely. They questioned the safety 
benefits of requiring a certification label, given that all CMVs 
operated in the United States are required both to comply with the 
FMCSRs and to pass roadside inspections conducted by safety officials 
according to standard Federal inspection procedures.
    CVSA stated the consensus among its member jurisdictions was ``that 
implementation of the NPRM would not resolve any safety issues, but 
instead would create a significant economic effect on cross-border 
trade, and domestic commercial transportation.''
    TMA supported the agency's efforts to ensure commercial motor 
vehicles manufactured in Canada and Mexico meet the same safety 
standards required of CMVs manufactured for the U.S. market. However, 
TMA believed both the FMCSA proposal and NHTSA's proposed policy 
statement on retroactive certification invited compliance problems and 
could impact U.S. motor carriers adversely. CVMA supported TMA's 
position, adding it believes better opportunities exist for improving 
CMV safety through vehicle maintenance and enforcement of safety 
regulations. It cited programs adopted by the Province of Ontario as 
examples.
    CTEA, a trade association representing vehicle and equipment 
manufacturers and the provider of a label service to Canadian and U.S. 
commercial motor vehicle manufacturers registered with Transport Canada 
and NHTSA, was encouraged that FMCSA addressed the issue of 
certification compliance labels. CTEA believes, however, the most 
effective way to improve CMV roadworthiness is for operators to adhere 
to manufacturers' maintenance schedules and practices, and for 
recommended inspection procedures to be used.
    NTEA, a U.S. trade association representing distributors of 
multistage- produced, work-related trucks, truck bodies, and equipment, 
expressed a number of concerns about the practicality of implementing 
the proposed requirements. NTEA's concerns are discussed in detail 
under Reciprocity with Canadian Standards and the two sections on 
Replacement Labels below.
    ATA stated it supports truck safety achieved through ``reasonable 
and cost-effective measures,'' applied appropriately according to 
operations conducted and equipment used. ATA believes achieving safe 
operations does not depend on the presence of a certification label. It 
asserted FMCSA has provided no data indicating vehicles without 
certification labels operate unsafely, adding it is unaware of the 
existence of such data. CVSA, CTA, Missouri CVED, and Manitoba made 
similar comments.
    Canada asserted ``there is no credible case that extending [the 
FMVSS labeling requirements] to Canadian commercial vehicles would 
result in increased safety.'' Canada referred to studies showing 
Canadian CMVs operating in the United States to be as safe as, or safer 
than, U.S.-based CMVs, and claimed it would be difficult, costly, and 
in some cases impossible to comply with the proposed regulation. Canada 
also anticipated the proposal would have a serious negative impact on 
cross-border trade and tourism, as well as violate United States 
obligations under both NAFTA and the Marrakesh Agreement Establishing 
the World Trade Organization. Canada contended the rule would provide 
less favorable treatment to Canadian motor carriers than to U.S. 
carriers, and would restrict trade more than is necessary to achieve 
safety objectives.
    CTA stated the safety of Canadian motor carriers operating in the 
United States would not be diminished absent the provisions of the 
NPRM. CTA estimates there are at least 250,000 CMVs regularly engaged 
in cross-border traffic, but believes the number could be much higher: 
``Since carriers do not segregate their fleets into `domestic' and 
`international' equipment, from a practical standpoint, all equipment 
in fleets with cross-border operations would fall under the proposed 
labeling requirements.''
    Seven commenters favored the proposal:
    Greyhound contended Mexico-manufactured buses ``did not comply with 
the FMVSS when they were manufactured and do not comply with the FMVSS 
and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) now,'' and 
asserted it would be highly inappropriate for DOT to allow these 
vehicles to operate in the United States.

[[Page 50271]]

ATU stated it concurs with Greyhound's comments.
    Advocates, acknowledging NAFTA requires elimination of trade 
barriers and unnecessary burdens on commerce, stressed that the treaty 
``was not intended to require the evasion or suspension of established 
motor vehicle regulations and safety standards.'' AIA supported 
Advocates' position.
    Citing the requirements of the Vehicle Safety Act and a 1975 
interpretation letter issued by NHTSA, CHP supported the proposal for 
the certification and labeling requirements.
    Public Citizen stated the proposed NHTSA and FMCSA regulations 
``close an unofficial loophole'' in the agencies' regulations. IBT also 
supported the FMCSA proposal.
    FMCSA Response: Generally, U.S. motor carriers operating CMVs (as 
defined in 49 CFR 390.5) in interstate commerce have access only to 
vehicles that either were manufactured domestically for use in the 
United States and have the required certification label or were 
imported into the United States in accordance with applicable NHTSA 
regulations, including certification documentation requirements of 49 
CFR Part 567. Furthermore, FMCSA's safety regulations incorporate and 
cross-reference the FMVSSs critical to continued safe operation of 
CMVs. Finally, with only a few minor differences, the Canadian Motor 
Vehicle Safety Standards (CMVSSs) mirror the FMCSRs.
    Although Mexico-domiciled vehicles are less likely to display FMVSS 
or CMVSS certification labels, FMCSA believes continued strong 
enforcement of the FMCSRs in real-world operational settings, coupled 
with existing regulations and enhanced enforcement measures, will 
ensure the safe operation of Mexico-domiciled CMVs in interstate 
commerce. Under the MCSAP, FMCSA and its State and local partners 
conduct approximately 3 million roadside vehicle and driver inspections 
each year on vehicles (domiciled in the United States, Canada, or 
Mexico) operating in interstate commerce. Enforcement of the FMCSRs, 
and by extension the FMVSSs they cross-reference, is the bedrock of 
these compliance assurance activities. Therefore, after careful 
consideration, FMCSA has concluded it is not necessary to amend the 
FMCSRs to require commercial motor vehicles to display an FMVSS 
certification label in order to achieve effective compliance with the 
FMVSSs.
    Simply requiring CMVs to bear FMVSS certification labels would not 
ensure their operational safety. An FMVSS label certifying compliance 
with performance standards applicable to lights, brakes, and other wear 
items does not ensure real-world safety in the absence of compliance 
with the operational and maintenance standards imposed by the FMCSRs, 
especially in the case of vehicles built many years ago. Although the 
presence or absence of an FMVSS compliance label can certainly provide 
a useful tool in this regard, inspection of the CMV's compliance with 
the FMCSRs remains the benchmark by which enforcement officials 
identify and remove from service vehicles likely to break down or cause 
a crash. The American public is better protected by the FMCSRs than 
solely through a label indicating a CMV was originally built to certain 
manufacturing performance standards.
    Congress intended the FMVSSs and FMCSRs as mutually supportive 
systems of regulations--one manufacturing, the other operational. In 
the Vehicle Safety Act, which mandated creation of the manufacturing 
standards, Congress specified that the preexisting motor carrier safety 
regulations promulgated by the Interstate Commerce Commission should 
not differ in substance or impose any lesser standard of performance 
than the manufacturing standards. (See also Senate Commerce Committee 
Report No. 1301, June 23, 1966.) After the establishment of DOT on 
April 1, 1967, the FMVSSs and motor carrier safety regulations (now 
FMCSRs) were in fact coordinated under a single agency, the Federal 
Highway Administration, wherein they were redesignated in December 1968 
under newly established chapter III of title 49 of the Code of Federal 
Regulations (33 FR 19700, Dec. 25, 1968).
    Since that time, care has been taken in rulemaking proceedings 
amending the FMVSSs or FMCSRs to effectuate the Congressional intent of 
consistent and mutually supportive regulations. For example, FHWA and 
the National Highway Safety Bureau (NHSB) (which became part of NHTSA 
when that agency was established in 1971) coordinated same-day 
publication of complementary regulatory proposals on August 15, 1970--
with NHSB proposing an FMVSS on bus push-out windows to provide a 
complementary manufacturing standard to an existing motor carrier 
safety regulation, while the FHWA proposed to amend its existing 
regulations concerning window construction in order to be consistent 
with the NHSB proposal. (The FHWA and NHSB proposals were published at 
35 FR 13024 and 13025, respectively, and FHWA's final rule [37 FR 
11677, June 10, 1972] made the agency's bus window requirements 
consistent with the new FMVSS standard [No. 217, published at 37 FR 
9395 on May 10, 1972]). The most recent example is FMCSA's final rule, 
``Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; General 
Amendments'' (Docket Number FMCSA-1997-2364), which updates and expands 
FMCSR cross-references to FMVSSs and includes applicable engineering 
citations. As a result of the Congressional directive that the FMCSRs 
provide for performance no less than the FMVSSs and the history of 
consistency between the two bodies of regulations, enforcement of the 
FMCSRs assures compliance with the FMVSSs cross-referenced therein--
and, more important, provides for safety on the highways.

Reciprocity With Canadian Standards

    TMA recommended either a U.S. or Canadian certification label be 
accepted for commercial motor vehicles manufactured before the 
effective date of the NHTSA policy statement on retroactive 
certification. The only major differences between the U.S. and Canadian 
manufacturing standards are the effective dates (also called compliance 
dates) for the requirements for antilock brake systems (ABS) and 
automatic brake adjusters. Since all vehicles operating in the United 
States must comply with the FMCSRs, and the FMCSRs for automatic brake 
adjusters (Sec.  393.53) and ABS (Sec.  393.55) require CMVs to comply 
with FMVSS No. 105 (for hydraulic-braked vehicles) and FMVSS No. 121 
(for air-braked vehicles) applicable at the time the vehicle was 
manufactured, the different compliance dates for U.S. and Canadian 
standards are moot. ATA, CTA, and NTEA also stressed the strong 
similarities between the U.S. and Canadian standards.
    CVMA asserted the potential safety benefits of retroactive 
certification of CMVs built to comply with Canadian standards would be 
minimal and, under the proposal, retroactive certification would also 
include modifications made to vehicles after manufacture. It noted this 
would require not only consideration of the records of original and 
secondary manufacturers but also evaluation of repairs and 
modifications made by vehicle owners.
    CVSA and CTA strongly encouraged DOT to consider developing a 
reciprocity agreement with Canada because the CMVSSs are so similar to 
the FMVSSs. Manitoba noted that some Canadian standards are ``more 
stringent than the U.S. standards,'' citing requirements for daytime 
running lights and underride protection.

[[Page 50272]]

    CTEA stated ``* * * Canadian manufacturers registered with 
Transport Canada are entitled to affix a National Safety Mark (NSM) to 
their production. These same companies are registered with NHTSA for 
the purpose of exporting to the U.S. and they have met the label 
requirements for the U.S.'' TMA, CTEA, NTEA, and CTA expressed similar 
views.
    CVSA, CTEA, and Manitoba believed Canadian authorities might 
require U.S.-manufactured vehicles entering Canada to display a CMVSS 
certification label, leading to disruptions in cross-border commerce.
    Canada cited a 30-year history of ``close and effective 
collaboration'' with the United States to develop and implement CMV 
manufacturing and operating standards. It provided extensive analysis 
comparing the safety records of U.S. and Canadian motor carriers, 
citing results of FMCSA and DOT studies.
    FMCSA Response: FMCSA, in consultation with NHTSA, agrees U.S. and 
Canadian CMV manufacturing standards are comparable in all significant 
respects. As TMA noted, the differences in effective dates for the 
Canadian and U.S. requirements for ABS and automatic brake adjusters 
are moot, because the effective dates of the FMVSS requirements, as 
incorporated in part 393 of the FMCSRs, determine whether a CMV is 
compliant with these standards. For example, a Canada-domiciled vehicle 
bearing a CMVSS label and manufactured on or after the effective date 
of NHTSA's ABS requirement (and before the effective date of Canada's 
ABS requirement) would be in violation of the FMCSRs when operating in 
the United States unless it were equipped with ABS. This distinction 
would have held even if the vehicle met the certification labeling 
requirement proposed in the NPRM. The same principle applies to U.S.-
required conspicuity treatments, brake adjusters, brake adjustment 
indicators, and rear impact guards. The effective dates for FMVSSs 
incorporated in the FMCSRs apply equally to CMVs domiciled in the 
United States, Canada, and Mexico.
    Moreover, an FMVSS or CMVSS certification label denotes only the 
vehicle's compliance with the U.S. or Canadian manufacturing standards 
applicable to newly manufactured vehicles. The certification label, 
while a useful guidepost, is not the most important basis for 
determining whether a vehicle is in current safe operating condition. 
CMV operational safety compliance is best addressed in terms of these 
vehicles' compliance with the FMCSRs.
    In response to Manitoba's comment regarding rear underride 
protection and daytime running lamps, FMCSA's rules concerning rear 
impact guards were revised on September 1, 1999, to require motor 
carriers to ensure their trailers manufactured on or after January 26, 
1998, are equipped with rear impact guards meeting the requirements of 
FMVSS Nos. 223 and 224 (49 CFR 571.223 and 571.224). FMVSS No. 108 (49 
CFR 571.108) concerning lamps and reflective devices was amended on 
January 11, 1993, to ensure daytime running lights installed 
voluntarily on newly manufactured vehicles meet certain performance 
requirements. Section 393.11 of the FMCSRs cross-references FMVSS No. 
108 and requires motor carriers to ensure their CMVs are maintained to 
comply with this requirement.
    Canada's requirements for conspicuity treatment of trailers and 
semitrailers provide several options for the colors and placement of 
retroreflective material; one of these options meets the requirements 
of FMVSS No. 108. FMCSA has advised Canadian manufacturers, industry 
groups, and motor carriers that 49 CFR 393.11 requires all Canada-based 
trailers operated in the United States to comply with the FMVSS No. 108 
requirements for conspicuity treatments on trailers manufactured on or 
after December 1, 1993. Section 393.11 cross-references FMVSS No. 108 
and requires motor carriers to ensure CMVs manufactured after March 7, 
1989, meet all applicable requirements of FMVSS No. 108 in effect on 
the date of manufacture. In addition, Sec.  393.13 provides flexibility 
for retrofitting conspicuity treatments for trailers and semitrailers 
manufactured before December 1, 1993, by allowing the use of other 
colors or color combinations along the sides or lower rear of 
semitrailers and trailers until June 1, 2009.

Safety of Vehicles Manufactured for the Mexican Market

    Greyhound expressed concern about the enforceability of the NPRM 
provisions: ``We state unequivocally that the vast majority of Mexican-
manufactured buses did not comply with the FMVSS when they were 
manufactured and do not comply with the FMVSS and the Federal Motor 
Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) now. Many of these buses do not 
comply with the FMVSS/FMCSR standards for fundamental safety items such 
as brakes, fuel systems, windows, and emergency exits.'' Greyhound 
believed the proposed requirement for the FMVSS certification label 
``should ultimately ensure compliance with the FMVSS,'' but recommended 
FMCSA take additional action in the near term. Specifically, FMCSA 
should automatically deny provisional operating authority to motor 
carriers discovered during onsite safety audits to be noncompliant with 
the FMCSRs.
    ATA, while acknowledging Mexican federal safety standards are less 
similar to the U.S. requirements than are the Canadian standards and do 
not include a requirement for certification labels, nevertheless 
contended the Mexican standards help ensure new vehicles incorporate 
needed safety features. It asserted vehicle manufacturers the world 
over are interested in building equipment that will be safe ``if driven 
correctly and maintained properly.'' ATA noted the requirements of the 
FMCSRs adequately address the safe operation of CMVs, whereas a label 
describes the vehicle's safety compliance only as of the date of 
manufacture.
    CVSA stated ``Mexican safety standards do not require certification 
labels and do not mirror those of the U.S. as closely as Canadian 
standards, but their efforts to match U.S. standards, and in some cases 
surpass them (as with more restrictive drug and alcohol testing) 
ensures that important safety standards are being met.'' CVSA 
maintained there is no evidence to suggest Mexico-based vehicles 
``provide less than desirable safety performance.'' In addition, CVSA 
stated the certification label ``does not provide evidence that the 
vehicle is safe, and it is impractical to place a vehicle Out of 
Service just because it is lacking a certification label.''
    FMCSA Response: Regardless whether a CMV bears a certification 
label from a manufacturer or a registered importer, it must comply with 
all applicable FMCSRs, including those that cross-reference FMVSS 
requirements in effect on the date of manufacture. As noted earlier in 
this document, the certification label does not, in and of itself, 
fulfill motor carriers' obligations to comply with applicable FMCSRs--
whereas compliance with FMCSRs does provide effective confirmation of 
compliance with the cross-referenced FMVSSs.
    With regard to Greyhound's comments about denying provisional 
operating authority to Mexico-domiciled motor carriers whose CMVs are 
found during on-site audits to be noncompliant with the FMCSRs, Mexico-
domiciled carriers are required under 49 CFR 365.503(b)(2) and

[[Page 50273]]

368.3(b)(2) to certify on the application form for operating authority 
that all CMVs they intend to operate in the United States were built in 
compliance with the FMVSSs in effect at the time of manufacture. If the 
motor carrier were unable to make the necessary certification on its 
application, the agency would deny its request to operate in the United 
States.
    Moreover, as noted in the Background section of this document, 49 
CFR 365.507(c) requires Mexico-domiciled motor carriers to pass an 
FMCSA pre-authority safety audit before they are granted provisional 
authority to operate in the United States beyond the border commercial 
zones. The pre-authority safety audit evaluation criteria are in 
Appendix A to Subpart E of 49 CFR Part 365. If a pre-authority safety 
audit discloses an applicant has falsely certified its vehicles as 
FMVSS compliant, FMCSA may use this information to deny the application 
for provisional authority. In addition, as prescribed in the FMCSA 
policy memorandum discussed previously, if a motor carrier is 
discovered to be operating noncompliant vehicles in the United States 
after receiving provisional operating authority, the agency could 
suspend or revoke that authority based on the carrier's false 
certification.
    The major potential obstacle to FMVSS conformance for truck 
tractors manufactured for the Mexican market appears to be the 
requirement for installation of ABS, applicable to vehicles 
manufactured on or after March 1, 1997. Because Mexico's vehicle safety 
regulations have not to date required ABS, many Mexico-based vehicles 
manufactured on or after March 1, 1997, did not include this feature 
and therefore do not bear an FMVSS certification label. However, 
information provided by the Truck Manufacturers Association in a 
September 16, 2002, letter to NHTSA Administrator Jeffrey W. Runge, 
M.D., and former FMCSA Administrator Joseph M. Clapp (available in the 
docket) offers a more complete picture.
    According to TMA, U.S. manufacturers have manufactured and sold 
nearly 60,000 Class 8 trucks and tractors for the Mexican market since 
1993. Roughly 80 percent of those vehicles were built in compliance 
with the FMVSSs and were so certified. KenMex, a subsidiary of Paccar, 
Inc., manufactures Kenworth trucks for sale in Mexico. KenMex began 
applying FMVSS certification labels in 1993 to all vehicles built for 
the Mexican market that met U.S. safety standards. Approximately 95 
percent of those vehicles were equipped with ABS. International Truck 
and Engine Corporation trucks sold in Mexico complied with the FMVSSs, 
except that ABS could be deleted at the customer's option. However, the 
majority of International's tractors built and sold in Mexico from July 
1999 until September 2001 had ABS, as did some vehicles manufactured 
between 1996 and 1999. Freightliner sold a limited number of vehicles 
to customers in Mexico before 1997, and all vehicles in three model 
lines sold in Mexico were certified to meet the FMVSSs. Volvo began 
selling U.S-manufactured trucks in Mexico in 1998, virtually all of 
them FMVSS-certified and bearing the requisite certification labels. We 
have summarized this information in the table below.

             Manufacturers' History of Trucks and Truck Tractors Manufactured and/or Sold in Mexico
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Manufacturer               Manufactured in Mexico          Sold in Mexico               Notes
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Ford............................  Yes: medium-duty............  No.....................
Freightliner LLC................                                                         Sold limited number of
                                                                                          vehicles in Mexico
                                                                                          before 1997.
                                  Century Class...............  Yes....................  All have full U.S.
                                                                                          certification.
                                  Columbia....................  Yes....................  All have full U.S.
                                                                                          certification.
                                  Argosy......................  Yes....................  All have full U.S.
                                                                                          certification.
                                  FLD.........................  Yes....................  50% have full U.S.
                                                                                          certification. 50%
                                                                                          have label issues
                                                                                          (tire labels, labels
                                                                                          in Spanish).
                                                                                          Approximately 20% of
                                                                                          FLD vehicles do not
                                                                                          have ABS.
                                  Sterling....................  Yes....................  10% have full U.S.
                                                                                          certification. 90%
                                                                                          have label issues, but
                                                                                          have ABS.
General Motors..................  No..........................  Yes....................  Sells only incomplete
                                                                                          vehicles in Mexican
                                                                                          market.
International Truck & Engine....  Yes.........................  Yes....................  9200, 9400: ABS was a
                                                                                          ``delete'' option 3/97-
                                                                                          9/01.
                                                                                         11/96-11/99: 1996 9000s
                                                                                          do not bear FMVSS
                                                                                          labels, but vehicles
                                                                                          with ABS could be
                                                                                          certified.
                                                                                         Escobedo plant: 7/99-9/
                                                                                          01: ABS ``delete''
                                                                                          option for 9000s, but
                                                                                          majority had ABS.
                                                                                          Starting 9/01, ABS no
                                                                                          longer a ``delete''
                                                                                          option.
                                                                                         4000, 7000 series:
                                                                                          tractors with ABS
                                                                                          would have label.
Isuzu Motors....................  No..........................  No.....................
Mack Trucks.....................  No..........................  No.....................  Was in market for 1
                                                                                          year, sold 13
                                                                                          tractors, 12 chassis.
                                                                                          Of the 13 tractors, 2
                                                                                          labeled & 6
                                                                                          retrofittable.
PACCAR Inc......................  Yes--KenMex.................  Yes....................  At least 95% of the
                                                                                          40,000 T600, T800,
                                                                                          T2000 and W900
                                                                                          vehicles have ABS.
                                                                                          1993 onward: FMVSS-
                                                                                          compliant vehicles
                                                                                          bear labels.
Volvo Trucks NA.................  No..........................  Yes....................  3776 VN tractors
                                                                                          labeled, 45 not
                                                                                          labeled (no ABS). 2
                                                                                          VHD tractors labeled.
                                                                                          479 miscellaneous
                                                                                          incomplete vehicles
                                                                                          with chassis cab
                                                                                          labels.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

    Based on the information presented in the table, we believe most 
model year 1996 and later CMVs manufactured in Mexico may meet the 
FMVSSs. (Since NHTSA's ABS requirement applies only to vehicles built 
on or after March 1, 1997, Mexico-domiciled vehicles manufactured 
before that date are required to comply with the FMVSSs applicable when 
they were built, but not with the ABS requirement.) Mexico-based 
vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 1997, and not equipped with 
ABS would, in theory, need to be retrofitted with ABS to achieve 
compliance with the FMCSRs.
    From a practical standpoint, however, this is not a viable option. 
Information

[[Page 50274]]

presented in the preamble to the Federal Highway Administration's final 
rule on ABS (63 FR 24454, May 4, 1998) explains the difficulty NHTSA 
researchers experienced in retrofitting commercial motor vehicles with 
ABS for the purpose of conducting a NHTSA fleet study. In that study, a 
relatively high number of truck tractors--116 out of 200, or 58 
percent--experienced installation/pre-production design-related 
problems. Although the researchers attributed this to the ``newness'' 
of the systems in North American applications, we believe the 
percentage of malfunctions would be much greater if motor carriers were 
required to attempt retrofitting innumerable configurations of air-
braked vehicles.
    The NHTSA fleet study was a ``best-case scenario'' for retrofitting 
ABS, in that the vehicle and brake manufacturers (as well as wheel and 
hub manufacturers) worked together to complete the ABS installations. 
Even with this collaborative effort of experienced engineers, numerous 
problems related to the retrofitting process surfaced during the study. 
FMCSA believes the NHTSA research is strongly indicative of the types 
of technical problems that could be expected if motor carriers were 
required to retrofit vehicles with ABS. As ABS retrofitting is not 
practicable, vehicles manufactured on or after March 1, 1997--the 
effective date of NHTSA's ABS requirement (FMVSS number 121)--will 
satisfy U.S. safety requirements only if originally equipped with ABS. 
For a Mexico-domiciled CMV manufactured after March 1, 1997, FMCSA and 
State enforcement officials will rely closely on inspection of the 
vehicle to determine its compliance with the ABS requirement at Sec.  
393.55.

Consumer Responsibility: Certification Label

    ATA asserted the statutory language of Section 108 of the Vehicle 
Safety Act ``precludes the need for the consumer to either apply or 
retain the certification label.'' ATA further contended Section 114 of 
the Vehicle Safety Act is a requirement placed upon vehicle 
manufacturers and distributors, and the label serves as a notification 
to the dealer (or to another distributor) that the manufacturer(s) of 
the vehicle met the FMVSSs as of a given date. ATA provided photographs 
of additional labels affixed by some manufacturers, reading ``Warning: 
Data shown on vehicle identification plate is correct on date of 
manufacture. Alterations made may affect data shown.''
    CVSA also contended the proposals would expand what, in its view, 
has been the historical use of certification labels `` to provide buyer 
protection at the point of sale--in an attempt to regulate vehicles in 
interstate commerce.
    FMCSA Response: Motor carriers are responsible for ensuring 
vehicles introduced into their fleets are maintained to the safety 
standards of the FMCSRs, including those cross-referencing the FMVSSs. 
However, FMCSA acknowledges the significant operational concerns raised 
by commenters. Prohibiting the operation of CMVs that are compliant 
with the FMVSSs and the FMCSRs, yet lack a certification label, would 
place an economic burden on motor carriers and vehicle manufacturers 
without enhancing commercial motor vehicle safety.
    When it is necessary to determine whether the vehicle was certified 
by the manufacturer as complying with the FMVSSs, or was capable of 
certification, alternative identification methods are available. For 
example, Federal and State enforcement officials conducting roadside 
inspections could rely on a VIN and registration in a U.S. or Canadian 
jurisdiction as evidence of FMVSS compliance. The requirements for the 
VIN are described in 49 CFR Part 565. Section 565.4(e) requires the VIN 
of each vehicle to appear clearly and indelibly either upon a part of 
the vehicle (other than the glazing) that is not designed to be removed 
except for repair, or upon a separate plate or label permanently 
affixed to such a part. The VIN must have 17 characters and be 
formatted so basic information about the vehicle (such as country of 
manufacture, model year, identity of the manufacturer) can be quickly 
determined. Canada's requirements concerning the VIN are similar.
    In addition to being marked on each vehicle, the VIN commonly is 
used to identify a vehicle on registration documents. Most State laws 
require these documents to be carried in the vehicle at all times. 
These registration documents provide a secondary method for safety 
officials to verify a CMV's model year and VIN and, by extension, the 
FMVSSs applicable to the particular CMV.
    Generally, CMVs may not be registered in the United States or 
Canada unless the vehicle was manufactured for sale or use in either of 
those countries. Both countries have laws and regulations concerning 
the importation of vehicles for sale or use that effectively preclude 
U.S.- and Canada-based motor carriers from purchasing or leasing 
vehicles for use in their respective countries unless the vehicles were 
originally manufactured for, or subsequently modified for, such use. 
Under 49 U.S.C. 30112 and 30115 and 49 CFR parts 567 and 571, a U.S. 
motor carrier cannot purchase or use an imported vehicle manufactured 
for use in a foreign country unless (1) the original manufacturer 
certified, at the time of manufacture, that the vehicle complied with 
the applicable FMVSSs, or (2) a registered importer certified the 
vehicle was modified to comply with applicable U.S. safety standards.
    The situation for Mexico-based CMVs is somewhat different. The 
government of Mexico has not, to date, established a set of vehicle 
manufacturing standards comparable in scope to the FMVSSs or CMVSSs, 
nor does it have requirements for certification or compliance with such 
standards. Hence, there is less assurance that vehicles imported into 
Mexico, or manufactured for the domestic market in Mexico, meet safety 
requirements comparable to those of the United States or Canada.
    Therefore, we must rely on a strong verification program to confirm 
certifications (on the application form for FMCSA operating authority) 
by Mexico-domiciled carriers that they will operate only FMVSS-
compliant CMVs in the United States beyond the border commercial zones. 
As noted in the Background section of this document, under FMCSA's 
enforcement policy memorandum these vehicles will be subject to 
inspection by enforcement personnel during the pre-authority safety 
audit and while operating in interstate commerce to ensure their 
compliance with applicable FMCSRs, including those that cross-reference 
the FMVSSs. If FMCSA finds a Mexico-domiciled carrier has falsely 
certified its vehicles as compliant, we may use this information to 
deny, suspend, or revoke the carrier's operating authority or 
certification of registration or issue appropriate penalties for the 
falsification.

Replacement Labels: General

    TMA, ATA, and CVSA believed, contrary to FMCSA's assertion, the 
proposal would affect U.S. carriers more than their foreign 
counterparts. According to these and other commenters, safety 
certification labels, particularly those on trailers and converter 
dollies, often do not remain affixed or legible for the life of the 
vehicle.
    ATA, CTA, NTEA, CTEA, and Canada raised numerous questions 
concerning the implementation of a requirement to obtain replacement 
labels. Among their

[[Page 50275]]

concerns: Replacement doors and cabs do not bear certification labels, 
49 CFR Sec.  567.4(b) prohibits labels from being transferred, and 
labels are designed to be self-defacing if removal is attempted. ATA, 
CTA, and Canada noted it would be impossible to obtain replacement 
certification labels from bankrupt or defunct manufacturers. NTEA 
recommended allowing motor carriers to replace certification labels, 
while TMA suggested a single, NAFTA-wide safety certification label 
acceptable to all three NAFTA nations.
    ATA estimated the loss of direct annual revenue just from trailers 
prohibited from operating without certification labels would exceed 
$200 million.
    FMCSA Response: FMCSA acknowledges the commenters' concerns. The 
withdrawal of the NPRM renders this issue moot.

Replacement Labels: Special and Rebuilt Vehicles

    ATA, CTA, NTEA, and CVSA questioned how FMCSA would address the 
labeling of CMVs manufactured in two or more stages, noting that 49 CFR 
Part 568 requires labeling for these vehicles. ATA asserted consumer-
performed repairs, such as replacing original tires with low-profile 
tires, ``invalidate portions of the certification label.''
    TMA, ATA, and NTEA contended the proposed rule could eliminate the 
use of glider kits and service cabs (repair parts sold by truck 
manufacturers to repair a relatively new vehicle that suffered 
extensive body damage but has a salvageable engine, transmission, drive 
axles, or other major components). They reasoned a glider kit 
manufacturer cannot provide a certification label for a repaired 
vehicle based on the construction of the original vehicle, since it has 
no knowledge of the extent or quality of the repair.
    Missouri CVED questioned how FMCSA would treat the labeling of 
homemade trailers or other equipment made by persons who are not 
manufacturers or equipment fabricators, noting the State of Missouri 
requires these vehicles to have a VIN affixed by the manufacturer. If a 
vehicle does not have a VIN, the Missouri Department of Revenue issues 
it a ``DRX'' plate and number.
    FMCSA Response: As stated previously, by virtue of withdrawing the 
NPRM, we are retracting the proposed requirement for certification 
labels.
    In response to the concern regarding the use of glider kits and 
service cabs, this matter is addressed in 49 CFR 571.7(e), Combining 
new and used components. If a glider kit or a service cab were used to 
replace an original cab that had been damaged beyond repair, and the 
cab were fitted with at least two of the three components (engine, 
transmission, drive axles) from another vehicle, the resulting vehicle 
would not be considered newly manufactured and its VIN would be the 
same as that of the vehicle used to provide at least two of the three 
components.
    In response to Missouri CVED's comment concerning homemade 
trailers, the FMVSSs apply to every newly manufactured motor vehicle 
without exception.
    With regard to State-assigned VINs, such as the ``DRX'' plate 
mentioned by Missouri CVED, the Vehicle Equipment Safety Commission 
(VESC) issued Regulation VESC-18 in August 1979, ``Standardized 
Replacement Vehicle Identification Number System.'' (The VESC no longer 
exists, but its materials are currently available through the American 
Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators of Arlington, Virginia.) 
Regulation VESC-18 serves as a model procedure for States to assure 
that all vehicles subject to title and/or registration are readily 
identifiable through verification of a manufacturer's VIN or State-
issued VIN. A copy of Regulation VESC-18 is in the docket.

Roadside Inspections

    CVSA requested FMCSA to report on the differences among U.S., 
Mexican, and Canadian vehicle equipment manufacturing standards for the 
benefit of manufacturers, registered importers, and roadside 
inspectors.
    Advocates contended FMCSA would be unable to ensure motor carriers' 
compliance with the FMCSRs, and with those FMVSSs cross-referenced in 
the FMCSRs, in the absence of certification labels or documentation.
    ATA questioned how enforcement officials at roadside could readily 
verify FMVSS compliance of a CMV manufactured in multiple stages. ATA 
also inquired how trailers entering the United States by rail or ship 
would be inspected, who would perform the inspections, and how 
nonconforming trailers would be handled.
    Canada expressed concerns about potential enforcement activities by 
the U.S. Customs Service (now part of the Department of Homeland 
Security, under the Directorate of Border and Transportation Security) 
of vehicles-as-imports at the border, arguing these activities could 
paralyze cross-border operations and trade. Additionally, Canada feared 
the potentially chilling effect of heavy fines assessed for vehicles 
not properly labeled, pointing out this could prevent Canadian motor 
carriers from sending their CMVs into the United States.
    FMCSA Response: NHTSA has evaluated the differences between the 
FMVSSs and CMVSSs applicable to heavy trucks and buses, and includes 
this analysis in its Notice of withdrawal of its policy statement on 
retroactive certification of CMVs by vehicle manufacturers, published 
elsewhere in today's Federal Register.
    We recognize the concerns expressed by CVSA. However, Mexico has 
not established a comprehensive set of federal CMV manufacturing 
standards comparable to U.S. and Canadian standards, or based upon a 
statutory or regulatory scheme similar to those used in the United 
States and Canada. Therefore, any meaningful transnational comparison 
of manufacturing standards would be limited to the FMVSS and CMVSS. 
NHTSA and Transport Canada, as the regulatory agencies responsible for 
implementing and enforcing their respective nations' vehicle 
manufacturing safety laws, work together to research the causes and 
potential means of addressing deaths and injuries associated with motor 
vehicle crashes. As a result of the similar statutory schemes and the 
long-standing cooperative relationship between the two regulatory 
agencies, the FMVSS and CMVSS are similar in almost all substantive 
respects.
    In response to ATA's comment concerning determination of FMVSS 
compliance of a vehicle manufactured in multiple stages, Sec.  567.4 of 
NHTSA's regulations describes the manufacturer's responsibility for 
compliance labeling of the vehicle. Section 567.5 addresses the 
requirements for manufacturers of vehicles manufactured in two or more 
stages. These regulations were unaffected by NHTSA's and FMCSA's 
proposals.
    In response to ATA's question on procedures for inspecting trailers 
entering the United States by rail (such as in trailer-on-flatcar 
service) or by ship (such as in intermodal containers), these trailers 
are subject to inspection by FMCSA or its State partners when operated 
on the highways. Trailers operating in the United States must meet 
applicable FMCSA regulations. Trailer inspections are performed by 
Federal and State enforcement officials using the North American 
Standard Inspection procedures required for all roadside CMV and driver 
inspections. Nonconforming trailers would be handled in the same way as 
other vehicle safety violations.
    Canada's concerns about performance of inspections at border 
crossing areas

[[Page 50276]]

are moot, in light of withdrawal of the NPRM. Inspections at the U.S.-
Canada border will be conducted, as at present, under the North 
American Standard Inspection procedure.
    In response to Advocates' comment, all CMVs, as defined in 49 CFR 
390.5 and operated in interstate commerce, are subject to the FMCSRs. 
The coding of the VIN, which must appear clearly and indelibly on all 
vehicles, includes a character indicating the model year. Table VI of 
49 CFR Part 565 provides those codes for the years 1980 through 2013 
(49 U.S.C. 30112 does not apply to vehicles over 25 years old). Given 
the full VIN code, the enforcement official can determine more precise 
manufacturing data, including the specific configurations of components 
and accessories used on a particular vehicle.

Phase-In Period

    Greyhound strongly opposed the proposed 2-year phased-in compliance 
period for certain Mexico-domiciled carriers, contending bus 
manufacturers in Mexico were advised some years ago that vehicles 
operating in the United States must comply with the FMVSSs. ATU and TTD 
supported Greyhound's position. Advocates and Public Citizen also 
expressed strong opposition to the phased-in compliance period, 
believing it conflicted with the requirements of the Vehicle Safety 
Act. Public Citizen pointed to a list of FMVSSs with which CMVs must 
comply, including antilock brakes, rear impact guards, and brake slack 
adjusters. Advocates contended phased-in compliance ``would create a 
two-tiered safety regime for motor carriers * * * [and] provides a 
strong incentive for foreign motor carriers to operate equipment for up 
to two years without conforming to the FMVSS.''
    AIA asserted the proposal for a phase-in period is not dictated or 
envisioned under international law. CHP also opposed the phased-in 
compliance period.
    IBT asserted the border must remain closed until the FMCSA and 
NHTSA rulemakings are completed, and recommended the phase-in period 
for carriers already operating in the United States (U.S. and Canadian 
motor carriers as well as Mexican carriers currently operating beyond 
the border zones) be reduced to 12 months. IBT also recommended FMCSA 
clarify the rule text to prohibit carriers currently operating within 
the border commercial zones from taking advantage of the phase-in 
period if they applied to operate beyond the border zones.
    FMCSA Response: Today's withdrawal of the NPRM renders moot the 
concept of a phase-in period.
    Mexico-based motor carriers with current authority to operate in 
the United States have long been required \1\ to comply with all 
applicable FMCSRs. Moreover, these vehicles are subject to, and many 
have undergone, roadside inspections while operating in the United 
States. The agency's NAFTA-related rules concerning applications for 
operating authority and safety monitoring require all Mexico-domiciled 
vehicles operating beyond the border commercial zones to display at all 
times a current and valid inspection decal for a period of 18 months 
after a carrier receives provisional operating authority and an 
additional 3 years after the carrier receives permanent authority. See 
49 CFR 365.511 and 385.103. The inspection decal demonstrates the 
vehicle's compliance with FMVSSs cross-referenced in the FMCSRs, 
including all of the FMVSSs to which Public Citizen refers. 
Furthermore, the FMCSRs require motor carriers to maintain this safety 
equipment on their vehicles.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \1\ Section 9102 of the Truck and Bus Safety and Regulatory 
Reform Act of 1988 (title IX, subtitle B of the Anti-Drug Abuse Act 
of 1988, Public Law 100-690, 102 Stat. 4181, 4528) required the 
Secretary to exempt certain foreign motor carriers from part 393 of 
the FMCSRs, for a period of one year beginning on November 18, 1988. 
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA), then the DOT agency 
responsible for motor carrier safety, addressed the requirements of 
the Act by publishing a final rule and request for comments on March 
24, 1989 (54 FR 12200). In a report to Congress required under this 
legislation, FHWA recommended the part 393 exemption created by the 
Act be allowed to lapse, with the exception of a requirement for 
front-wheel brakes, and that Mexico-domiciled motor carriers 
operating in the border commercial zones be given until January 1, 
1991, to comply with that standard. FHWA published a final rule on 
May 17, 1994 (59 FR 25572) requiring Mexico-domiciled CMVs operated 
in the United States to be equipped with brakes acting on all 
wheels.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    The roadside inspection procedure is the same for all CMVs operated 
in the United States, regardless of the motor carrier's country of 
domicile. In addition, as described above under Safety of Vehicles 
Manufactured for the Mexican Market (and in the FMCSA policy memorandum 
discussed there and in the Background section), if FMCSA or State 
inspectors determine that any Mexico-domiciled CMVs lack the proper 
certification, we may use this information to suspend or revoke the 
carrier's operating authority or certificate of registration for making 
a false certification or issue appropriate penalties for the 
falsification.
    As also described above in our discussion of the safety of Mexico-
domiciled vehicles, 49 CFR 365.507(c) requires Mexico-domiciled motor 
carriers to pass an FMCSA pre-authority safety audit before they are 
granted provisional authority to operate in the United States beyond 
the border commercial zones. The pre-authority audit will include 
inspection of available vehicles that have not received the necessary 
inspection decal. This inspection will include checking compliance with 
part 393 of the FMCSRs and the FMVSSs they cross-reference. For 
vehicles lacking a certification label, it has been determined that 
enforcement officials could, as necessary, refer to the VIN in various 
locations on the vehicle. The VIN will assist inspectors in identifying 
the vehicle model year and country of manufacture to determine 
compliance with the FMVSS or CMVSS. If FMCSA determines the carrier, 
after having certified all its vehicles as compliant, plans to operate 
vehicles not complying with those motor vehicle safety standards in 
effect on the date of manufacture, we may use this information to deny 
operating authority to the carrier.
    Because Mexico-domiciled motor carriers seeking new operating 
authority are required to certify on the application form that they 
operate only vehicles manufactured or retrofitted to be in compliance 
with the FMVSSs, these carriers should refrain from submitting 
applications for operating authority until they are able to ensure all 
vehicles to be operated in the United States are in compliance with the 
FMVSSs in effect on or after their date of manufacture. This 
requirement will be vigorously enforced, consistent with the agency's 
policy memorandum discussed previously.
    FMCSA's withdrawal of its NPRM concerning certification labels does 
not relieve motor carriers of the responsibility to comply with all 
applicable FMCSRs, including those that cross-reference the FMVSSs. The 
FMCSRs apply equally to all motor carriers operating CMVs in interstate 
commerce in the United States. Canada- and Mexico-domiciled motor 
carriers must comply with the same safety regulations as U.S. carriers.

Out-of-Service Violations

    TMA questioned whether FMCSA would place a vehicle out of service 
solely because it lacks an FMVSS certification label, since FMCSA did 
not explicitly include such a statement in its NPRM. Manitoba likewise 
was concerned CMVs could be impounded,

[[Page 50277]]

seized, or placed out of service for the absence of a certification 
label.
    Advocates expressed a different view, contending without a 
certification label, ``there can be no presumption of affirmative 
compliance with the certification requirement * * * [This is] evidence 
that the vehicle was not properly certified and inspectors should place 
the vehicle out of service.''
    In supplementary comments, CVSA stated a label does not, by itself, 
provide evidence of the vehicle's safety. CVSA considered it 
impractical to place a vehicle out of service solely because it lacks a 
certification label.
    FMCSA Response: Since we are withdrawing the proposed certification 
label requirement, this issue is now moot. However, we addressed this 
subject in the preamble to the NPRM (67 FR 12782, at 12784, footnote 
4), stating failure to have a certification label would not result in a 
vehicle's being placed out of service in the absence of vehicle defects 
meeting existing out-of-service criteria. The preamble to the NHTSA 
proposed policy statement (67 FR 12790, at 12792) also addressed this 
issue.

Other Vehicle Laws and Regulations

    Greyhound urged FMCSA to coordinate with the Federal Transit 
Administration (FTA) and the Office of the Secretary of Transportation 
to ensure fixed-route service operations comply with the requirements 
of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). (According to 49 CFR Part 
37, Subpart H, all buses acquired for fixed-route service must be 
equipped with a wheelchair lift. Until 100 percent of the fleet is 
equipped, operators must provide wheelchair lift service on 48 hours' 
notice.)
    Public Citizen recommended FMCSA issue embossed or bolted-on CMV 
certification markings to aid Federal and State enforcement officials 
in determining the legal status of each vehicle, and that border-
commercial-zone-only trucks be ``visually distinguishable'' from those 
allowed to operate beyond the border zones.
    FMCSA Response: In response to Greyhound's comment, DOT has a long-
standing interpretation that Canada- or Mexico-based motor carriers are 
subject to ADA requirements if they pick up passengers in the United 
States. If a Mexico-based charter or tour operator boarded passengers 
in Mexico, drove them to a point in the United States, and then 
returned the passengers to Mexico without picking up anyone in the 
United States, the ADA requirements would not apply. However, the ADA 
requirements would apply if the Mexico-based tour operator boarded 
passengers in the United States, transported them to Mexico, and 
returned them to the United States. Likewise, if a Mexico-based fixed-
route operation between points in Mexico and the United States picked 
up passengers at any point in the United States, ADA rules would apply.
    If a passenger has a concern about the manner in which a provider 
of interstate highway passenger transportation complies with the ADA, 
he or she should contact the U.S. Department of Justice (Justice), 
Civil Rights Division, Disability Rights Section.\2\ FMCSA will 
coordinate with Justice to ensure the concern is addressed. FTA's 
jurisdiction concerning ADA compliance extends only to its public-
agency grantees.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    \2\ 950 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW., Mail Code NYAV, Washington, DC 
20530. Information is also available at http://www.usdoj.gov/crt/drssec.htm.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------

    With regard to Public Citizen's comment, CMVs operated by Mexico-
domiciled motor carriers are issued a USDOT number with a suffix 
indicating whether they are authorized to operate within or beyond the 
border commercial zones. By regulation, these unique USDOT numbers are 
prominently displayed on both sides of the CMV.

FMCSA Decision

    After review and analysis of the public comments discussed in the 
preceding section, and in consultation with NHTSA, FMCSA determined it 
can effectively ensure motor carriers' compliance with applicable 
FMVSSs through continued vigorous enforcement of the FMCSRs, coupled 
with measures detailed in our enforcement policy memorandum regarding 
Mexico-domiciled carriers and vehicles. These new enforcement measures 
will begin immediately. We will compile data regarding Mexico-domiciled 
vehicles falsely certified as FMVSS compliant on the motor carrier's 
application for operating authority and, when appropriate, take 
necessary action as described in the policy memorandum.
    This approach will help ensure the safety of Mexico-domiciled CMVs 
in real-world, operational settings while eliminating the potential 
drawbacks associated with requiring commercial motor vehicles to 
display an FMVSS certification label, as identified by many of the 
commenters to the NPRM.
    We again emphasize all motor carriers operating in the United 
States must comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including 
all of the FMCSRs as well as those that cross-reference particular 
FMVSSs. Through our cross-references to FMVSSs, we require motor 
carriers to ensure their CMVs are equipped with specific safety devices 
and systems required by NHTSA on newly manufactured vehicles, and to 
maintain their vehicles to ensure continued safe performance. The 
roadside inspection program will ensure this is the case to the 
greatest extent practicable.
    In view of the foregoing, the NPRM concerning certification of 
compliance with the Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards is 
withdrawn.

    Issued on: August 19, 2005.
Annette M. Sandberg,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 05-16967 Filed 8-25-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P