Notice2025-21619
Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Application for Exemption From Intelligent Motorist Alert Messaging Systems
Primary source
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Published
December 1, 2025
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Abstract
FMCSA requests public comment on an application for a 5-year exemption submitted by Intelligent Motorist Alert Messaging Systems (IMAMS). The applicant seeks an exemption for autonomous commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) from the regulation that requires the use of traditional warning devices to alert other vehicles when the CMV has become disabled. The exemption would allow autonomous CMVs to use IMAMS dynamic digital LED messaging platform as an alternative to traditional warning devices. FMCSA requests public comment on IMAMS's application.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 90 Issue 228 (Monday, December 1, 2025)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 90, Number 228 (Monday, December 1, 2025)]
[Notices]
[Pages 55236-55237]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2025-21619]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
[Docket No. FMCSA-2025-0688]
Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Application
for Exemption From Intelligent Motorist Alert Messaging Systems
AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOT.
ACTION: Notice of application for exemption; request for comments.
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SUMMARY: FMCSA requests public comment on an application for a 5-year
exemption submitted by Intelligent Motorist Alert Messaging Systems
(IMAMS). The applicant seeks an exemption for autonomous commercial
motor vehicles (CMVs) from the regulation that requires the use of
traditional warning devices to alert other vehicles when the CMV has
become disabled. The exemption would allow autonomous CMVs to use IMAMS
dynamic digital LED messaging platform as an alternative to traditional
warning devices. FMCSA requests public comment on IMAMS's application.
DATES: Comments must be received on or before December 31, 2025.
ADDRESSES: You may submit comments identified by Federal Docket
Management System (FDMS) Number FMCSA-2025-0688 by any of the following
methods:
<bullet> Federal eRulemaking Portal: <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>. See the
Public Participation and Request for Comments section below for further
information.
<bullet> Mail: Dockets Operations, U.S. Department of
Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, West Building, Ground Floor,
Washington, DC 20590-0001.
<bullet> Hand Delivery or Courier: West Building, Ground Floor,
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. E.T., Monday
through Friday, except Federal holidays.
<bullet> Fax: (202) 493-2251.
Each submission must include the Agency name and the docket number
(FMCSA-2025-0688) for this notice. Note that DOT posts all comments
received without change to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a>, including any personal
information included in a comment. Please see the Privacy Act heading
below.
Docket: For access to the docket to read background documents or
comments, go to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> at any time or visit the ground
level of the West Building, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE, Washington, DC,
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., ET, Monday through Friday, except Federal
holidays. To be sure someone is there to help you, please call (202)
366-9317 or (202) 366-9826 before visiting Dockets Operations.
Privacy Act: In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315(b), DOT solicits
comments from the public to better inform its regulatory process. DOT
posts these comments, including any personal information the commenter
provides, to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> as described in the system of records
notice DOT/ALL 14-FDMS, which can be reviewed at <a href="https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/privacy/privacy-act-system-records-notices">https://www.transportation.gov/individuals/privacy/privacy-act-system-records-notices</a>. The comments are posted without edit and are searchable by the
name of the submitter.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. David Sutula, Chief, Vehicle and
Roadside Operations Division, Office of Carrier, Driver, and Vehicle
Safety, FMCSA, at (202)-961-1373, or by email at <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#15585645464355717a613b727a63"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="226f6172717462464d560c454d54">[email protected]</span></a>.
If you have questions on viewing or submitting material to the
docket, contact Dockets Operations at (202) 366-9826.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:
I. Public Participation and Request for Comments
FMCSA encourages you to participate by submitting comments and
related materials.
Submitting Comments
If you submit a comment, please include the docket number for this
notice (FMCSA-2025-0688), indicate the specific section of this
document to which the comment applies, and provide a reason for
suggestions or recommendations. You may submit your comments and
material online or by fax, mail, or hand delivery, but please use only
one of these means. FMCSA recommends that you include your name and a
mailing address, an email address, or a phone number in the body of
your document so the Agency can contact you if it has questions
regarding your submission.
To submit your comment online, go to <a href="http://www.regulations.gov">www.regulations.gov</a> and put
the docket number ``FMCSA-2025-0688'' in the keyword box, and click
``Search.'' Next, sort the results by ``Posted (Newer-Older),'' choose
the first notice listed, click the ``Comment'' button, and type your
comment into the text box on the following screen. Choose whether you
are submitting your comment as an individual or on behalf of a third
party and then submit. If you submit your comments by mail or hand
delivery, submit them in an unbound format, no larger than 8\1/2\ by 11
inches, suitable for copying and electronic filing. If you submit
comments by mail and would like to know that they reached the facility,
please enclose a stamped, self-addressed postcard or envelope. FMCSA
will consider all comments and material received during the comment
period.
II. Legal Basis
FMCSA has authority under 49 U.S.C. 31136(e) and 31315(b) to grant
exemptions from Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs).
FMCSA must publish a notice of each exemption request in the Federal
Register (49 CFR 381.315(a)). The Agency must provide the public an
opportunity to inspect the information relevant to the application,
including the applicant's safety analysis. The Agency must provide an
opportunity for public comment on the request.
The Agency reviews the application, safety analyses, and public
comments submitted and determines whether granting the exemption would
likely achieve a level of safety equivalent to, or greater than, the
level that would be achieved without the exemption, pursuant to the
standard set forth in 49 CFR 381.305(a)). The Agency must publish its
decision in the Federal Register (49 CFR 381.315(b)). If granted, the
notice will identify the regulatory provision from which the applicant
will be exempt, the effective period, and all terms and conditions of
the exemption (49 CFR 381.315(c)(1)). If the exemption is denied, the
notice will explain the reason for the denial (49 CFR 381.315(c)(2)).
The exemption may be renewed (49 CFR 381.300(b)).
III. Applicant's Request
Current Regulatory Requirements
The applicable FMCSRs in 49 CFR 392.22(b) require the driver of a
CMV stopped on the traveled portion or the shoulder of a highway for
any cause other than a necessary traffic stop to activate hazard
warning signal flashers and place required warning devices as soon as
possible, but within ten minutes, at specified locations behind and in
front of the stopped CMV. The regulations also prescribe placement of
[[Page 55237]]
warning devices in certain circumstances, such as during daylight
hours, or when the CMV is stopped within 500 feet of a curve, the crest
of a hill, or any other obstruction that prevents clear visibility. (49
CFR 392.22(b)(2)).
In addition, the FMCSRs specify the types and number of warning
devices that may be used. Specifically, each CMV must be equipped with
three bidirectional emergency reflective triangles, or at least six
fusees, or three liquid-burning flares. (49 CFR 393.95(f)(1) and (2)).
Other devices may be used in addition to the required ones, provided
they do not reduce the effectiveness of the required devices. (49 CFR
393.95(f)(3)).
Applicant's Request
The application requests an exemption from the requirements of 49
CFR 392.22(b)(1) and (2) to allow the use of IMAMS dynamic digital LED
messaging platform as an alternative safety system for disabled,
autonomous CMVs on the road, which the applicant asserts will enhance
motorist awareness and roadway safety. The IMAMS platform is a dynamic
digital LED messaging sign that is securely mounted on the rear doors
and front dash of semi-trailers and large CMVs.
The application explains that when an autonomous vehicle activates
its emergency flashers, the IMAMS platform will automatically display a
series of high-visibility, LED-lit messages to oncoming traffic. These
messages cycle through ``ALERT-ALERT'' (in red), ``MOVE OVER'' (in
amber), ``SLOW DOWN'' (in amber), and ``DISABLED VEHICLE'' (in amber),
providing clear, immediate warnings.
The applicant emphasizes that IMAMS is an equivalent or superior
alternative to traditional warning devices, as it activates
automatically, which eliminates the delay and risks associated with
manual placement of triangles or flares.
Although the application did not specifically request an exemption
from 49 CFR 393.95(f)(1) and (2), FMCSA notes that the application
would require an exemption from this section as it specifies the types
and number of warning devices that are to be equipped on each power
unit. These options include 3 bidirectional emergency reflective
triangles that conform to the requirements of Federal Motor Vehicle
Safety Standard (FMVSS) No. 125, or at least 6 fusees or 3 liquid-
burning flares as are necessary to satisfy the requirements of Sec.
392.22. Under the regulations, other warning devices may be used in
addition to, but not in lieu of, the required devices provided that
they do not reduce the effectiveness of the required devices.
Accordingly, if FMCSA were to allow the IMAMS platform as the sole
emergency warning device, an exemption from 49 CFR 393.95(f)(1) and (2)
would be necessary.
A copy of IMAMS's application for exemption, and all supporting
materials, are available for review in the docket for this notice.
IV. Request for Comments
In accordance with 49 U.S.C. 31315(b), FMCSA requests public
comment from all interested persons on IMAMS's application for a five-
year exemption from 49 CFR 392.22(b)(1) and(2) and 49 CFR 393.95(f)(1)
and (2).
All comments received before the close of business on the comment
closing date will be considered and will be available for examination
in the docket at the location listed under the Addresses section of
this notice. Comments received after the comment closing date will be
filed in the public docket and may be considered to the extent
practicable. In addition to late comments, FMCSA will also continue to
file, in the public docket, relevant information that becomes available
after the comment closing date. Interested persons should continue to
examine the public docket for new material.
Larry W. Minor,
Associate Administrator for Policy.
[FR Doc. 2025-21619 Filed 11-28-25; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-EX-P
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This is legal information, not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction and change frequently. Always verify current law with official sources and consult a licensed attorney in your jurisdiction for advice on your specific situation.