Oklahoma Congressman Proposes Bill to Halt Speed Limiter Rule
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Speed Limiter Rule is a regulation that requires heavy-duty vehicles, such as trucks and buses, to be equipped with electronic speed limiters that restrict them from exceeding a specific speed while on the road. First proposed in 2016, the rule aimed to enhance highway safety by minimizing the risk of high-speed accidents involving commercial vehicles. Citing studies that showed speed as a contributing factor in a significant number of crashes involving commercial vehicles, the final rule was published in 2020. It mandates that all newly manufactured commercial motor vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds have speed limiters installed that restrict speeds to 60, 65, or 68 miles per hour. Additionally, the rule requires that existing vehicles be retrofitted with speed limiters if they are not already equipped with them.
Despite the FMCSA Speed Limiter Rule's intention to enhance safety, it has been a subject of controversy. Some industry groups have argued that the rule will have little impact on safety and may even create new safety risks such as causing traffic congestion or increasing the risk of rear-end collisions. Nonetheless, supporters of the rule contend that it will improve safety on the nation's highways and reduce the risk of accidents involving commercial vehicles. Recently, a Republican congressman in Oklahoma proposed new legislation that would prevent the FMCSA from implementing the speed limiter rule on 18-wheelers.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is requesting lease agreements from truck drivers, especially if they suspect predatory or fraudulent terms.