Rule2026-03259
Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; License Plate Lamps
Primary source
Metadata and text below are from the Federal Register, a public-domain U.S. government work. Always verify the official published version before relying on it for any legal matter.
Published
February 19, 2026
Effective
March 23, 2026
Issuing agencies
Transportation DepartmentFederal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Abstract
FMCSA amends the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) to add an exception from the lamp and reflective device requirements for license plate lamps on the rear of truck tractors while towing a trailer. This amendment removes an unnecessary regulatory requirement without impacting safety.
Full Text
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<title>Federal Register, Volume 91 Issue 33 (Thursday, February 19, 2026)</title>
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[Federal Register Volume 91, Number 33 (Thursday, February 19, 2026)]
[Rules and Regulations]
[Pages 7871-7874]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [<a href="http://www.gpo.gov">www.gpo.gov</a>]
[FR Doc No: 2026-03259]
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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
49 CFR Part 393
[Docket No. FMCSA-2025-0122]
RIN 2126-AC96
Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; License Plate
Lamps
AGENCY: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Department
of Transportation (DOT).
ACTION: Final rule.
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SUMMARY: FMCSA amends the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
(FMCSRs) to add an exception from the lamp and reflective device
requirements for license plate lamps on the rear of truck tractors
while towing a trailer. This amendment removes an unnecessary
regulatory requirement without impacting safety.
DATES: Effective March 23, 2026.
Petitions for reconsideration of this final rule must be submitted
to the FMCSA Administrator no later than March 23, 2026.
FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Mr. David Sutula, Chief, Vehicle and
Roadside Operations Division, FMCSA, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590-0001; (202) 366-2551; <a href="/cdn-cgi/l/email-protection#3074514659541e634544455c5170545f441e575f46"><span class="__cf_email__" data-cfemail="763217001f1258250302031a173612190258111900">[email protected]</span></a>. If you
have questions on viewing or submitting material to the docket, call
Dockets Operations at (202) 366-9826.
SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: FMCSA organizes this final rule as follows:
I. Availability of Rulemaking Documents
II. Abbreviations
III. Legal Basis
IV. Discussion of Proposed Rulemaking and Comments
V. International Impacts
VI. Section-by-Section Analysis
VII. Regulatory Analyses
A. E.O. 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) and DOT
Regulatory Policies and Procedures
B. E.O. 14192 (Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation)
C. Congressional Review Act
D. Regulatory Flexibility Act
E. Assistance for Small Entities
F. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
G. Paperwork Reduction Act
H. E.O. 13132 (Federalism)
I. Privacy
J. E.O. 13175 (Indian Tribal Governments)
K. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
I. Availability of Rulemaking Documents
To view any documents mentioned as being available in the docket,
go to <a href="https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FMCSA-2025-0122/document">https://www.regulations.gov/docket/FMCSA-2025-0122/document</a> and
choose the document to review. To view comments, click this final rule,
then click ``Browse Comments.'' If you do not have access to the
internet, you may view the docket online by visiting Dockets Operations
at U.S. Department of Transportation, 1200 New Jersey Avenue SE,
Washington, DC 20590-0001, between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., 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.
II. Abbreviations
CFR Code of Federal Regulations
CMV Commercial motor vehicle
DOT Department of Transportation
FMCSA Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
FMCSR Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
FR Federal Register
NPRM Notice of proposed rulemaking
PIA Privacy Impact Assessment
PTA Privacy Threshold Assessment
U.S.C. United States Code
III. Legal Basis
Under 49 U.S.C. 31136(a), DOT is required to ``prescribe minimum
safety standards for commercial motor vehicles. At a minimum, the
regulations shall ensure that--(1) commercial motor vehicles are
maintained, equipped, loaded, and operated safely; (2) the
responsibilities imposed on operators of commercial motor vehicles do
not impair their ability to operate the vehicles safely; (3) the
physical condition of operators of commercial motor vehicles is
adequate to enable them to operate the vehicles safely . . . ; (4) the
operation of commercial motor vehicles does not have a deleterious
effect on the physical condition of the operators; and (5) an operator
of a commercial motor vehicle is not coerced by a motor carrier,
shipper, receiver, or transportation intermediary to operate a
commercial motor vehicle in violation of a regulation promulgated under
this section, or chapter 51 or chapter 313 of this title.''
This final rule is based on the authority of 49 U.S.C. 31136(a)(1)
to ensure that commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) are equipped and
operated safely. It does not implicate the driver-centered requirements
of 49 U.S.C. 31136(a)(2)-(4). Because this final rule creates an
exception to a requirement for vehicle lighting that would otherwise
apply to motor carriers, there is no obvious risk of coercion related
to this rule to which a driver might be subjected.
In addition, the Administrator of FMCSA is delegated authority
under 49 CFR 1.87 to carry out the functions vested in the Secretary of
Transportation by 49 U.S.C. chapters 311, 313, and 315 as they relate
to CMV operators, programs, and safety.
For the reasons explained below, FMCSA believes that allowing an
additional exception to the requirement for rear license plate lamps in
Footnote 11 to Table 1 of 49 CFR 393.11 will not adversely affect CMV
safety.
IV. Discussion of Proposed Rulemaking and Comments
A. Proposed Rulemaking
On May 30, 2025, FMCSA published in the Federal Register (Docket
No. FMCSA-2025-0122, 90 FR 22930) a notice of proposed rulemaking
(NPRM) titled ``Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation;
License Plate Lamps.'' The NPRM proposed to amend the FMCSRs to add an
exception from the lamp and reflective device requirements for license
plate lamps on the rear of truck tractors while towing a trailer.
B. Comments and Responses
FMCSA solicited comments concerning the NPRM for 60 days ending
July 29, 2025. By that date, two comments were received from the
following parties: the American Trucking Associations and the Owner-
Operator Independent Drivers Association. Both comments supported the
NPRM.
V. International Impacts
Motor carriers and drivers are subject to the laws and regulations
of the countries where they operate, unless an international agreement
states otherwise. Drivers and carriers should be aware of the
regulatory differences between nations.
VI. Section-by-Section Analysis
This section-by-section analysis describes the changes to the
regulatory text in numerical order.
Section 393.11 Lamps and Reflective Devices
FMCSA revises footnote 11 to Table 1 by adding truck tractors
towing a trailer to the exception from the requirement
[[Page 7872]]
for a rear license plate lamp to be illuminated.
VII. Regulatory Analyses
A. Executive Order (E.O.) 12866 (Regulatory Planning and Review) and
DOT Regulatory Policies and Procedures
FMCSA has considered the impact of this final rule under E.O. 12866
(58 FR 51735, Oct. 4, 1993) and DOT Order 2100.6B.\1\ The Office of
Information and Regulatory Affairs within the Office of Management and
Budget (OMB) determined that this final rulemaking is not a significant
regulatory action under section 3(f) of E.O. 12866 and has not reviewed
it under that E.O.
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\1\ DOT Order 2100.6B is available at <a href="https://www.transportation.gov/regulations/dot-order-21006b-policies-and-procedures-rulemakings">https://www.transportation.gov/regulations/dot-order-21006b-policies-and-procedures-rulemakings</a>.
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This final rule adds an exception from the lamp and reflective
device requirements for license plate lamps on the rear of truck
tractors while towing a trailer. Consequently, truck tractor owners
will realize cost savings by no longer needing to maintain rear license
plates with functional lamps when towing a trailer. FMCSA does not have
information to estimate the cost savings for the owners of trucks who
will no longer replace bulbs for license plate lamps on the rear of
their truck tractors while towing a vehicle. FMCSA believes the cost
savings and the number of affected entities will be minimal as some of
these truck tractors will likely operate without a trailer in some
instances, meaning that the owners will opt to have the rear license
plate lamps fitted with functional bulbs to preserve the flexibility to
operate without a trailer.
B. E.O. 14192 (Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation)
E.O. 14192 (90 FR 9065, Jan. 31, 2025), Unleashing Prosperity
Through Deregulation, requires that for ``each new [E.O. 14192
regulatory action] issued, at least ten prior regulations be identified
for elimination.'' \2\
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\2\ Executive Office of the President, Executive Order 14192 of
January 31, 2025, Unleashing Prosperity Through Deregulation, 90 FR
9065-9067, Feb. 6, 2025.
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Implementation guidance for E.O. 14192 issued by the OMB
(Memorandum M-25-20, March 26, 2025) defines two different types of
E.O. 14192 actions: an E.O. 14192 deregulatory action, and an E.O.
14192 regulatory action.\3\
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\3\ Office of Management and Budget, Guidance Implementing
Section 3 of Executive Order 14192, Titled ``Unleashing Prosperity
Through Deregulation,'' Memorandum M-25-20 (Mar. 26, 2025).
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An E.O. 14192 deregulatory action is defined as ``an action that
has been finalized and has total costs less than zero.'' This final
rulemaking will have total costs less than zero, and therefore is
considered an E.O. 14192 deregulatory action. The cost savings of this
final rule could not be quantified.
C. Congressional Review Act
This rule is not a major rule as defined under the Congressional
Review Act (5 U.S.C. 801-808).'' \4\
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\4\ A major rule means any rule that OMB finds has resulted in
or is likely to result in (a) an annual effect on the economy of
$100 million or more; (b) a major increase in costs or prices for
consumers, individual industries, geographic regions, Federal,
State, or local government agencies; or (c) significant adverse
effects on competition, employment, investment, productivity,
innovation, or on the ability of United States-based enterprises to
compete with foreign-based enterprises in domestic and export
markets (5 U.S.C. 804(2)).
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D. Regulatory Flexibility Act
The Regulatory Flexibility Act (5 U.S.C. 601 et seq.), as amended
by the Small Business Regulatory Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996,\5\
requires Federal agencies to consider the effects of the regulatory
action on small business and other small entities and to minimize any
significant economic impact. The term small entities comprises small
businesses and not-for-profit organizations that are independently
owned and operated and are not dominant in their fields, and
governmental jurisdictions with populations of less than 50,000 (5
U.S.C. 601(6)). Accordingly, DOT policy requires an analysis of the
impact of all regulations on small entities, and mandates that agencies
strive to lessen any adverse effects on these businesses.
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\5\ Public Law 104-121, 110 Stat. 857 (Mar. 29, 1996).
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No regulatory flexibility analysis is required, however, if the
head of an agency or an appropriate designee certifies that the rule
will not have a significant economic impact on a substantial number of
small entities. This final rule adds an exception from the lamp
requirements for license plate lamps on the rear of truck tractors
while towing a trailer. This will result in minimal cost savings for
owners of trucks who would have otherwise retrofitted their truck
tractors with rear license plate lamp when towing a trailer. As some
truck tractors will be operated with and without a trailer in certain
instances, FMCSA believes the number of affected entities will be
minimal as the owners of these trucks will likely continue to maintain
and install rear license plate lamps.
Consequently, I certify that this action will not have a
significant economic impact on a substantial number of small entities.
E. Assistance for Small Entities
In accordance with section 213(a) of the Small Business Regulatory
Enforcement Fairness Act of 1996 (Pub. L. 104-121, 110 Stat. 857),
FMCSA wants to assist small entities in understanding this final rule
so they can better evaluate its effects on themselves and participate
in the rulemaking initiative. If the final rule will affect your small
business, organization, or governmental jurisdiction and you have
questions concerning its provisions or options for compliance, please
consult the person listed under FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT.
Small businesses may send comments on the actions of Federal
employees who enforce or otherwise determine compliance with Federal
regulations to the Small Business Administration's Small Business and
Agriculture Regulatory Enforcement Ombudsman (Office of the National
Ombudsman, see <a href="https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/oversight-advocacy/office-national-ombudsman">https://www.sba.gov/about-sba/oversight-advocacy/office-national-ombudsman</a>) and the Regional Small Business Regulatory Fairness
Boards. The Ombudsman evaluates these actions annually and rates each
agency's responsiveness to small business. If you wish to comment on
actions by employees of FMCSA, call 1-888-REG-FAIR (1-888-734-3247).
DOT has a policy regarding the rights of small entities to regulatory
enforcement fairness and an explicit policy against retaliation for
exercising these rights.
F. Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995
The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act of 1995 (2 U.S.C. 1531-1538)
requires Federal agencies to assess the effects of their discretionary
regulatory actions. The Act addresses actions that may result in the
expenditure by a State, local, or Tribal government, in the aggregate,
or by the private sector of $206 million (which is the value equivalent
of $100 million in 1995, adjusted for inflation to 2024 levels) or more
in any 1 year. Because this final rule will not result in such an
expenditure, a written statement is not required.
G. Paperwork Reduction Act
This final rule contains no new information collection requirements
under the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995 (44 U.S.C. 3501-3520).
H. E.O. 13132 (Federalism)
A rule has implications for federalism under section 1(a) of E.O.
13132 if it has
[[Page 7873]]
``substantial direct effects on the States, on the relationship between
the national government and the States, or on the distribution of power
and responsibilities among the various levels of government.''
FMCSA has determined that this rule will not have substantial
direct costs on or for States, nor will it limit the policymaking
discretion of States. Nothing in this document preempts any State law
or regulation. Therefore, this rule does not have sufficient federalism
implications to warrant the preparation of a Federalism Impact
Statement.
I. Privacy
The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2005,\6\ requires the Agency
to assess the privacy impact of a regulation that will affect the
privacy of individuals. This final rule will not require the collection
of personally identifiable information.
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\6\ Public Law 108-447, 118 Stat. 2809, 3268, note following 5
U.S.C. 552a (Dec. 4, 2014).
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The Privacy Act (5 U.S.C. 552a) applies only to Federal agencies
and any non-Federal agency that receives records contained in a system
of records from a Federal agency for use in a matching program.
The E-Government Act of 2002,\7\ requires Federal agencies to
conduct a Privacy Impact Assessment (PIA) for new or substantially
changed technology that collects, maintains, or disseminates
information in an identifiable form. No new or substantially changed
technology will collect, maintain, or disseminate information as a
result of this rule. Accordingly, FMCSA has not conducted a PIA.
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\7\ Public Law 107-347, sec. 208, 116 Stat. 2899, 2921 (Dec. 17,
2002).
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In addition, the Agency will complete a Privacy Threshold
Assessment (PTA) to evaluate the risks and effects the final rule might
have on collecting, storing, and sharing personally identifiable
information. The PTA will be submitted to FMCSA's Privacy Officer for
review and preliminary adjudication and to DOT's Privacy Officer for
review and final adjudication.
J. E.O. 13175 (Indian Tribal Governments)
This rule does not have Tribal implications under E.O. 13175,
Consultation and Coordination with Indian Tribal Governments, because
it does not have a substantial direct effect on one or more Indian
Tribes, on the relationship between the Federal Government and Indian
Tribes, or on the distribution of power and responsibilities between
the Federal Government and Indian Tribes.
K. National Environmental Policy Act of 1969
FMCSA analyzed this rule pursuant to the National Environmental
Policy Act of 1969 (42 U.S.C. 4321 et seq.). The Agency believes this
final rule will not have a reasonably foreseeable significant effect on
the quality of the human environment. This action falls under a
published categorical exclusion and is thus excluded from further
analysis and documentation in an environmental assessment or
environmental impact statement under DOT Order 5610.1D,\8\ Subpart B,
subsection (e). Specifically, paragraph (6) (bb), which covers
regulations pertaining to vehicle operation safety standards, equipment
approval, and/or equipment carriage requirements.
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\8\ Available at: <a href="https://www.transportation.gov/mission/dots-procedures-considering-environmental-impacts">https://www.transportation.gov/mission/dots-procedures-considering-environmental-impacts</a>.
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List of Subjects in 49 CFR Part 393
Highway safety, Motor carriers, Motor vehicle safety.
Accordingly, FMCSA amends 49 CFR part 393 as follows:
PART 393--PARTS AND ACCESSORIES NECESSARY FOR SAFE OPERATION
0
1. The authority citation for part 393 continues to read as follows:
Authority: 49 U.S.C. 31136, 31151, 31502; sec. 1041(b), Pub. L.
102-240, 105 Stat. 1914, 1993; secs. 5301 and 5524, Pub. L. 114-94,
129 Stat. 1312, 1543, 1560; and 49 CFR 1.87.
0
2. Amend section 393.11 by revising footnote 11 in table 1 to read as
follows:
Sec. 393.11 Lamps and reflective devices.
* * * * *
Table 1 of Sec. 393.11--Required Lamps and Reflectors on Commercial Motor Vehicles
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Height above the road
surface in
millimeters (mm)
(with English units Vehicles for which
Item on the vehicle Quantity Color Location Position in parenthesis) the devices are
measured from the required
center of the lamp at
curb weight
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Tail lamps. See footnotes #5 and 2 Red........... Rear................. One lamp on each side Both on the same A, B, C, D, E, F, G,
11. of the vertical level between 381 mm H.
centerline at the (15 inches) and
same height and as 1,829 mm (72 inches).
far apart as
practicable.
* * * * * * *
License plate lamp (rear). See 1 White......... At rear license plate ..................... No requirements...... A, B, C, D, F, G.
footnote #11. to illuminate the
plate from the top
or sides.
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Footnote--5 Each converter dolly, when towed singly by another vehicle and not as part of a full trailer, shall be equipped with one stop lamp, one tail
lamp, and two reflectors (one on each side of the vertical centerline, as far apart as practicable) on the rear. Each converter dolly shall be
equipped with rear turn signals and vehicular hazard warning signal flasher lamps when towed singly by another vehicle and not as part of a full
trailer, if the converter dolly obscures the turn signals at the rear of the towing vehicle.
* * * * * * *
Footnote--11 To be illuminated when headlamps are illuminated. No rear license plate lamp is required on vehicles that do not display a rear license
plate or on the rear of truck tractors while towing a trailer.
[[Page 7874]]
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Issued under authority delegated in 49 CFR 1.87.
Derek Barrs,
Administrator.
[FR Doc. 2026-03259 Filed 2-18-26; 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.