[Code of Federal Regulations]
[Title 49, Volume 4]
[Revised as of October 1, 2003]
From the U.S. Government Printing Office via GPO Access
[CITE: 49CFR350.211]

[Page 768-777]
 
                        TITLE 49--TRANSPORTATION
 
        CHAPTER III--FEDERAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ADMINISTRATION,
                      DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION
 
PART 350--COMMERCIAL MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY ASSISTANCE PROGRAM--Table of Contents
 
                Subpart B--Requirements for Participation
 
Sec. 350.211  What is the format of the certification required by Sec. 350.209?

    The State's certification must be consistent with the following 
content:

    I (name), (title), on behalf of the State (or Commonwealth) of 
(State), as requested by the Administrator as a condition of approval of 
a grant under the authority of 49 U.S.C. 31102, as amended, do hereby 
certify as follows:
    1. The State has adopted commercial motor carrier and highway 
hazardous materials safety rules and regulations that are compatible 
with the FMCSRs and the HMRs.
    2. The State has designated (name of State CMV safety agency) as the 
lead agency to administer the CVSP for the grant sought and (names of 
agencies) to perform defined functions under the plan. These agencies 
have the legal authority, resources, and qualified personnel necessary 
to enforce the State's commercial motor carrier, driver, and highway 
hazardous materials safety laws or regulations.
    3. The State will obligate the funds or resources necessary to 
provide a matching share to the Federal assistance provided in the grant 
to administer the plan submitted and to enforce the State's commercial 
motor carrier safety, driver, and hazardous materials laws or 
regulations in a manner consistent with the approved plan.
    4. The laws of the State provide the State's enforcement officials 
right of entry and inspection sufficient to carry out the purposes of 
the CVSP, as approved, and provide that the State will grant maximum 
reciprocity for inspections conducted pursuant to the North American 
Standard Inspection procedure, through the use of a nationally accepted 
system allowing ready identification of previously inspected CMVs.
    5. The State requires that all reports relating to the program be 
submitted to the appropriate State agency or agencies, and the State 
will make these reports available, in a timely manner, to the FMCSA on 
request.
    6. The State has uniform reporting requirements and uses FMCSA 
designated forms for record keeping, inspection, and other enforcement 
activities.
    7. The State has in effect a requirement that registrants of CMVs 
declare their knowledge of the applicable Federal or State CMV safety 
laws or regulations.
    8. The State will maintain the level of its expenditures, exclusive 
of Federal assistance, at least at the level of the average of the 
aggregate expenditures of the State and its political subdivisions 
during State or Federal fiscal years 1997, 1998, and 1999. These 
expenditures must cover at least the following four program areas, if 
applicable:
    (a) Motor carrier safety programs in accordance with 49 CFR 350.301.
    (b) Size and weight enforcement programs.
    (c) Traffic safety.
    (d) Drug interdiction enforcement programs.
    9. The State will ensure that CMV size and weight enforcement 
activities funded with MCSAP funds will not diminish the effectiveness 
of other CMV safety enforcement programs.
    10. The State will ensure that violation fines imposed and collected 
by the State are consistent, effective, and equitable.
    11. The State will ensure it has a program for timely and 
appropriate correction of all violations discovered during inspections 
conducted using MCSAP funds.
    12. The State will ensure that the CVSP, data collection, and 
information systems are coordinated with the State highway safety 
program under title 23, U.S. Code. The name of the Governor's highway 
safety representative (or other authorized State official

[[Page 769]]

through whom coordination was accomplished) is ------------. (Name)
    13. The State participates in SAFETYNET and ensures information is 
exchanged with other States in a timely manner.
    14. The State has undertaken efforts to emphasize and improve 
enforcement of State and local traffic laws as they pertain to CMV 
safety.
    15. The State will ensure that MCSAP agencies have departmental 
policies stipulating that roadside inspections will be conducted at 
locations that are adequate to protect the safety of drivers and 
enforcement personnel.
    16. The State will ensure that requirements relating to the 
licensing of CMV drivers are enforced, including checking the status of 
CDLs.

    17. The State or a local recipient of MCSAP funds will certify that 
it meets the minimum Federal standards set forth in 49 CFR part 385, 
Subpart C, for training and experience of employees performing safety 
audits, compliance reviews, or driver/vehicle roadside inspections.
Date____________________________________________________________________
Signature_______________________________________________________________

[65 FR 15102, Mar. 21, 2000, as amended at 67 FR 12779, Mar. 19, 2002; 
67 FR 61820, Oct. 2, 2002;]

Sec. 350.213  What must a State CVSP include?

    The State's CVSP must reflect a performance-based program, and 
contain the following eighteen items:
    (a) A general overview section that must include the following two 
items:
    (1) A statement of the State agency goal or mission.
    (2) A program summary of the effectiveness of the prior years' 
activities in reducing CMV accidents, injuries and fatalities, and 
improving driver and motor carrier safety performance. Data periods used 
must be consistent from year to year. This may be calendar year or 
fiscal year or any 12-month period of time for which the State's data is 
current. The summary must show trends supported by safety and program 
performance data collected over several years. It must identify safety 
or performance problems in the State and those problems must be 
addressed in the new or modified CVSP.
    (b) A brief narrative describing how the State program addresses the 
national program elements listed in Sec. 350.109. The plan must address 
these elements even if there are no planned activities in a program 
area. The rationale for the resource allocation decision must be 
explained. The narrative section must include a description of how the 
State supports the activities identified in Sec. 350.201(q) and (t).
    (1) Activities aimed at removing impaired CMV drivers from the 
highways through adequate enforcement of restrictions on the use of 
alcohol and controlled substances and by ensuring ready roadside access 
to alcohol detection and measuring equipment.
    (2) Activities aimed at providing an appropriate level of training 
to MCSAP personnel to recognize drivers impaired by alcohol or 
controlled substances.
    (3) Interdiction activities affecting the transportation of 
controlled substances by CMV drivers and training on appropriate 
strategies for carrying out those interdiction activities.
    (4) Activities to enforce registration requirements under 49 U.S.C. 
13902 and 49 CFR part 365 and financial responsibility requirements 
under 49 U.S.C. 13906, 31138 and 31139 and 49 CFR part 387.
    (c) A definitive problem statement for each objective, supported by 
data or other information. The CVSP must identify the source of the 
data, and who is responsible for its collection, maintenance, and 
analysis.
    (d) Performance objectives, stated in quantifiable terms, to be 
achieved through the State plan. Objectives must include a measurable 
reduction in highway accidents or hazardous materials incidents 
involving CMVs. The objective may also include documented improvements 
in other program areas (e.g., legislative or regulatory authority, 
enforcement results, or resource allocations).
    (e) Strategies to be employed to achieve performance objectives. 
Strategies may include education, enforcement, legislation, use of 
technology and improvements to safety infrastructure.
    (f) Specific activities intended to achieve the stated strategies 
and objectives. Planned activities must be eligible under this program 
as defined in Secs. 350.309 and 350.311.

[[Page 770]]

    (g) Specific quantifiable performance measures, as appropriate. 
These performance measures will be used to assist the State in 
monitoring the progress of its program and preparing an annual 
evaluation.
    (h) A description of the State's method for ongoing monitoring of 
the progress of its plan. This should include who will conduct the 
monitoring, the frequency with which it will be carried out, and how and 
to whom reports will be made.
    (i) An objective evaluation that discusses the progress towards 
individual objectives listed under the ``Performance Objectives'' 
section of the previous year's CVSP and identifies any safety or 
performance problems discovered. States will identify those problems as 
new objectives or make modifications to the existing objectives in the 
next CVSP.
    (j) A budget which supports the CVSP, describing the expenditures 
for allocable costs such as personnel and related costs, equipment 
purchases, printing, information systems costs, and other eligible costs 
consistent with Secs. 350.311 and 350.309.
    (k) A budget summary form including planned expenditures for that 
fiscal year and projected number of activities in each national program 
element, except data collection.
    (l) The results of the annual review to determine the compatibility 
of State laws and regulations with the FMCSRs and HMRs.
    (m) A copy of any new law or regulation affecting CMV safety 
enforcement that was enacted by the State since the last CVSP was 
submitted.
    (n) Executed State Certification as outlined in Sec. 350.211.
    (o) Executed MCSAP-1 form.
    (p) List of MCSAP contacts.
    (q) Annual Certification of Compatibility, Sec. 350.331.
    (r) State Training Plan.

[65 FR 15102, Mar. 21, 2000, as amended at 67 FR 61820, Oct. 2, 2002; 67 
FR 63019, Oct. 9, 2002]

Sec. 350.215  What are the consequences for a State that fails to 
          perform according to an approved CVSP or otherwise fails to 
          meet the conditions of this part?

    (a) If a State is not performing according to an approved plan or 
not adequately meeting conditions set forth in Sec. 350.201, the 
Administrator may issue a written notice of proposed determination of 
nonconformity to the Governor of the State or the official designated in 
the plan. The notice will set forth the reasons for the proposed 
determination.
    (b) The State will have 30 days from the date of the notice to 
reply. The reply must address the deficiencies or incompatibility cited 
in the notice and provide documentation as necessary.
    (c) After considering the State's reply, the Administrator will make 
a final decision.
    (d) In the event the State fails timely to reply to a notice of 
proposed determination of nonconformity, the notice becomes the 
Administrator's final determination of nonconformity.
    (e) Any adverse decision will result in immediate cessation of 
Federal funding under this part.
    (f) Any State aggrieved by an adverse decision under this section 
may seek judicial review under 5 U.S.C. chapter 7.

Sec. 350.217  What are the consequences for a State with a CDL program 
          not in substantial compliance with 49 CFR part 384, subpart B?

    (a) A State with a CDL program not in substantial compliance with 49 
CFR part 384, subpart B, as required by 49 CFR part 384, subpart C, is 
subject to the loss of all Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program 
(MCSAP) grant funds authorized under sec. 103(b)(1) of the Motor Carrier 
Safety Improvement Act of 1999 [Pub. L. 106-159, 113 Stat. 1748] and 
loss of certain Federal-aid highway funds, as specified in 49 CFR part 
384, subpart D.
    (b) Withheld MCSAP grant funds will be restored to the State if the 
State

[[Page 771]]

meets the conditions of Sec. 384.403(b) of this subchapter.

[67 FR 49755, July 31, 2002]

                           Subpart C--Funding

Sec. 350.301  What level of effort must a State maintain to qualify for 
          MCSAP funding?

    (a) The State must maintain the average aggregate expenditure 
(monies spent during the base period of Federal or State fiscal years 
1997, 1998, and 1999) of State funds for motor carrier and highway 
hazardous materials safety enforcement purposes, in the year in which 
the grant is sought.
    (b) Determination of a State's level of effort must not include the 
following three things:
    (1) Federal funds received for support of motor carrier and 
hazardous materials safety enforcement.
    (2) State matching funds.
    (3) State funds used for federally sponsored demonstration or pilot 
CMV safety programs.
    (c) The State must include costs associated with activities 
performed during the base period by State or local agencies currently 
receiving or projected to receive funds under this part. It must include 
only those activities which meet the current requirements for funding 
eligibility under the grant program.

Sec. 350.303  What are the State and Federal shares of expenses incurred 
          under an approved CVSP?

    (a) The FMCSA will reimburse up to 80 percent of the eligible costs 
incurred in the administration of an approved CVSP.
    (b) In-kind contributions are acceptable in meeting the State's 
matching share if they represent eligible costs as established by 49 CFR 
part 18 or agency policy.

Sec. 350.305  Are U.S. Territories subject to the matching funds 
          requirement?

    The Administrator waives the requirement for matching funds for the 
Virgin Islands, American Samoa, Guam, and the Commonwealth of the 
Northern Mariana Islands.

Sec. 350.307  How long are MCSAP funds available to a State?

    The funds obligated to a State will remain available for the rest of 
the fiscal year in which they were obligated and the next full fiscal 
year. The State must account for any prior year's unexpended funds in 
the annual CVSP. Funds must be expended in the order in which they are 
obligated.

Sec. 350.309  What activities are eligible for reimbursement under the 
          MCSAP?

    The primary activities eligible for reimbursement are:
    (a) The five national program elements listed in Sec. 350.109 of 
this part.
    (b) Sanitary food transportation inspections performed under 49 
U.S.C. 5708.
    (c) The following three activities, when accompanied by an 
appropriate North American Standard Inspection and inspection report:
    (1) Enforcement of size and weight regulations conducted at 
locations other than fixed weight facilities, at specific geographical 
locations where the weight of the vehicle can significantly affect the 
safe operation of the vehicle, or at seaports where intermodal shipping 
containers enter and exit the United States.
    (2) Detection of the unlawful presence of controlled substances in a 
CMV or on the driver or any occupant of a CMV.
    (3) Enforcement of State traffic laws and regulations designed to 
promote the safe operation of CMVs.

Sec. 350.311  What specific items are eligible for reimbursement under 
          the MCSAP?

    All reimbursable items must be necessary, reasonable, allocable to 
the approved CVSP, and allowable under this part and 49 CFR part 18. The 
eligibility of specific items is subject to review by the FMCSA. The 
following six types of expenses are eligible for reimbursement:
    (a) Personnel expenses, including recruitment and screening, 
training, salaries and fringe benefits, and supervision.
    (b) Equipment and travel expenses, including per diem, directly 
related to

[[Page 772]]

the enforcement of safety regulations, including vehicles, uniforms, 
communications equipment, special inspection equipment, vehicle 
maintenance, fuel, and oil.
    (c) Indirect expenses for facilities, except fixed scales, used to 
conduct inspections or house enforcement personnel, support staff, and 
equipment to the extent they are measurable and recurring (e.g., rent 
and overhead).
    (d) Expenses related to data acquisition, storage, and analysis that 
are specifically identifiable as program-related to develop a data base 
to coordinate resources and improve efficiency.
    (e) Clerical and administrative expenses, to the extent necessary 
and directly attributable to the MCSAP.
    (f) Expenses related to the improvement of real property (e.g., 
installation of lights for the inspection of vehicles at night). 
Acquisition of real property, land, or buildings are not eligible costs.

Sec. 350.313  How are MCSAP funds allocated?

    (a) After deducting administrative expenses authorized in 49 U.S.C. 
31104(e), the MCSAP funds are allocated as follows:
    (1) Up to 5 percent of the MCSAP funds appropriated for each fiscal 
year may be distributed for High Priority Activities and Projects at the 
discretion of the Administrator.
    (2) Up to 5 percent of the MCSAP funds appropriated for each fiscal 
year may be distributed for Border CMV Safety and Enforcement Programs 
at the discretion of the Administrator.
    (3) The remaining funds will be allocated among qualifying States in 
two ways:
    (i) As Basic Program Funds in accordance with Sec. 350.323 of this 
part,
    (ii) As Incentive Funds in accordance with Sec. 350.327 of this 
part.
    (b) The funding provided in paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this 
section may be awarded through contract, cooperative agreement, or 
grant. The FMCSA will notify States if it intends to solicit State grant 
proposals for any portion of this funding.
    (c) The funding provided under paragraphs (a)(1) and (a)(2) of this 
section may be made available to State MCSAP lead agencies, local 
governments, and other persons that use and train qualified officers and 
employees in coordination with State motor vehicle safety agencies.

Sec. 350.315  How may Basic Program Funds be used?

    Basic Program Funds may be used for any eligible activity or item 
consistent with Secs. 350.309 and 350.311.

Sec. 350.317  What are Incentive Funds and how may they be used?

    Incentive Funds are monies, in addition to Basic Program Funds, 
provided to States that achieve reduction in CMV-involved fatal 
accidents, CMV fatal accident rate, or that meet specified CMV safety 
performance criteria. Incentive Funds may be used for any eligible 
activity or item consistent with Secs. 350.309 and 350.311.

Sec. 350.319  What are permissible uses of High Priority Activity Funds?

    (a) The FMCSA may generally use these funds to support, enrich, or 
evaluate State CMV safety programs and to accomplish the five objectives 
listed below:
    (1) Implement, promote, and maintain national programs to improve 
CMV safety.
    (2) Increase compliance with CMV safety regulations.
    (3) Increase public awareness about CMV safety.
    (4) Provide education on CMV safety and related issues.
    (5) Demonstrate new safety related technologies.
    (b) These funds will be allocated, at the discretion of the FMCSA, 
to States, local governments, and other organizations that use and train 
qualified officers and employees in coordination with State safety 
agencies.
    (c) The FMCSA will notify the States when such funds are available.
    (d) The Administrator may designate up to 5 percent of the annual 
MCSAP funding for these projects and activities.

Sec. 350.321  What are permissible uses of Border Activity Funds?

    (a) The FMCSA may generally use such funds to develop and implement 
a

[[Page 773]]

national program addressing CMV safety and enforcement activities along 
the United States' borders.
    (b) These funds will be allocated, at the discretion of the FMCSA, 
to States, local governments, and other organizations that use and train 
qualified officials and employees in coordination with State safety 
agencies. The FMCSA will notify the States when such funds are 
available. The Administrator may designate up to 5 percent of the annual 
MCSAP funding for these projects and activities.

Sec. 350.323  What criteria are used in the Basic Program Funds 
          allocation?

    (a) The funds are distributed proportionally to the States using the 
following four, equally weighted (25 percent), factors.
    (1) 1997 Road miles (all highways) as defined by the FMCSA.
    (2) All vehicle miles traveled (VMT) as defined by the FMCSA.
    (3) Population--annual census estimates as issued by the U.S. Census 
Bureau.
    (4) Special fuel consumption (net after reciprocity adjustment) as 
defined by the FMCSA.
    (b) Distribution of Basic Program Funds is subject to a maximum and 
minimum allocation as illustrated in the Table to this section, as 
follows:

  Table to Sec.  350.323(b)--Basic Program Fund Allocation Limitations
------------------------------------------------------------------------
          Recipient            Maximum allocation    Minimum allocation
------------------------------------------------------------------------
States and Puerto Rico......  4.944% of the Basic   $350,000 or 0.44% of
                               Program Funds.        Basic Program
                                                     Funds, whichever is
                                                     greater.
-----------------------------
U.S. Territories............            $350,000 (fixed amount)
------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec. 350.325  [Reserved]

Sec. 350.327  How may States qualify for Incentive Funds?

    (a) A State may qualify for Incentive Funds if it can demonstrate 
that its CMV safety program has shown improvement in any or all of the 
following five categories:
    (1) Reduction of large truck-involved fatal accidents.
    (2) Reduction of large truck-involved fatal accident rate or 
maintenance of a large truck-involved fatal accident rate that is among 
the lowest 10 percent of such rates of MCSAP recipients.
    (3) Upload of CMV accident reports in accordance with current FMCSA 
policy guidelines.
    (4) Verification of CDLs during all roadside inspections.
    (5) Upload of CMV inspection data in accordance with current FMCSA 
policy guidelines.
    (b) Incentive Funds will be distributed based upon the five 
following safety and program performance factors:
    (1) Five shares will be awarded to States that reduce the number of 
large truck-involved fatal accidents for the most recent calendar year 
for which data are available when compared to the 10-year average number 
of large truck-involved fatal accidents ending with the preceding year. 
The 10-year average will be computed from the number of large truck-
involved fatal crashes, as reported by the FARS, administered by the 
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA).
    (2) Four shares will be awarded to States that reduce the fatal-
accident rate for the most recent calendar year for which data are 
available when compared to each State's average fatal accident rate for 
the preceding 10-year period. States with the lowest 10 percent of 
accident rates in the most recent calendar year for which data are 
available will be awarded three shares if the rate for the State is the 
same as its average accident rate for the preceding 10-year period.
    (3) Two shares will be awarded to States that upload CMV accident 
data within FMCSA policy guidelines.
    (4) Two shares will be awarded to States that certify their MCSAP 
inspection agencies have departmental policies that stipulate CDLs are

[[Page 774]]

verified, as part of the inspection process, through Commercial Driver's 
License Information System (CDLIS), National Law Enforcement Tracking 
System (NLETS), or the State licensing authority.
    (5) Two shares will be awarded to States that upload CMV inspection 
reports within current FMCSA policy guidelines.
    (c) The total of all States' shares awarded will be divided into the 
dollar amount of Incentive Funds available, thereby establishing the 
value of one share. Each State's incentive allocation will then be 
determined by multiplying the State's percentage participation in the 
formula allocation of Basic Program Funds, by the number of shares it 
received that year, multiplied by the dollar value of one share.
    (d) States may use Incentive Funds for any eligible CMV safety 
purpose.
    (e) Incentive Funds are subject to the same State matching 
requirements as Basic Program Funds.
    (f) A State must annually certify compliance with the applicable 
incentive criteria to receive Incentive Funds. A State must submit the 
required certification as part of its CVSP or as a separate document.

Sec. 350.329  How may a State or a local agency qualify for High 
          Priority or Border Activity Funds?

    (a) States must meet the requirements of Sec. 350.201, as 
applicable.
    (b) Local agencies must meet the following nine conditions:
    (1) Prepare a proposal in accordance with Sec. 350.213, as 
applicable.
    (2) Coordinate the proposal with the State lead MCSAP agency to 
ensure the proposal is consistent with State and national CMV safety 
program priorities.
    (3) Certify that your local jurisdiction has the legal authority, 
resources, and trained and qualified personnel necessary to perform the 
functions specified in the proposal.
    (4) Designate a person who will be responsible for implementation, 
reporting, and administering the approved proposal and will be the 
primary contact for the project.
    (5) Agree to fund up to 20 percent of the proposed request.
    (6) Agree to prepare and submit all reports required in connection 
with the proposal or other conditions of the grant.
    (7) Agree to use the forms and reporting criteria required by the 
State lead MCSAP agency and/or the FMCSA to record work activities to be 
performed under the proposal.
    (8) Certify that the local agency will impose sanctions for 
violations of CMV and driver laws and regulations that are consistent 
with those of the State.
    (9) Certify participation in national data bases appropriate to the 
project.

Sec. 350.331  How does a State ensure its laws and regulations are 
          compatible with the FMCSRs and HMRs?

    (a) A State must review any new law or regulation affecting CMV 
safety as soon as possible, but in any event immediately after enactment 
or issuance, for compatibility with the FMCSRs and HMRs.
    (b) If the review determines that the new law or regulation is 
incompatible with the FMCSRs and/or HMRs, the State must immediately 
notify the Motor Carrier State Director.
    (c) A State must conduct an annual review of its laws and 
regulations for compatibility and report the results of that review in 
the annual CVSP in accordance with Sec. 350.213(l) along with a 
certification of compliance, no later than August 1 of each year. The 
report must include the following two items:
    (1) A copy of the State law, regulation, or policy relating to CMV 
safety that was adopted since the State's last report.
    (2) A certification, executed by the State's Governor, Attorney 
General, or other State official specifically designated by the 
Governor, stating that the annual review was performed and that State 
CMV safety laws remain compatible with the FMCSRs and HMRs. If State CMV 
laws are no longer compatible, the certifying official shall explain.
    (d) As soon as practical after the effective date of any newly 
enacted regulation or amendment to the FMCSRs or HMRs, but no later than 
three years after that date, the State must amend its laws or 
regulations to make them

[[Page 775]]

compatible with the FMCSRs and/or HMRs, as amended.

Sec. 350.333  What are the guidelines for the compatibility review?

    (a) The State law or regulation must apply to all segments of the 
motor carrier industry (i.e., for-hire and private motor carriers of 
property and passengers).
    (b) Laws and regulations reviewed for the CDL compliance report are 
excluded from the compatibility review.
    (c) Definitions of words or terms must be consistent with those in 
the FMCSRs and HMRs.
    (d) A State must identify any law or regulation that is not the same 
as the corresponding Federal regulation and evaluate it in accordance 
with the table to this section as follows:

            Table to Sec.  350.333--Guidelines for the State Law and Regulation Compatibility Review
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 Law or regulation has same effect    Applies to interstate  Less stringent or more
as corresponding Federal regulation  or intrastate commerce         stringent             Action authorized
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
(1) Yes............................  ......................  ......................  Compatible--Interstate and
                                                                                      intrastate commerce
                                                                                      enforcement authorized.
(2) No.............................  Intrastate............  ......................  Refer to Sec.  350.341
(3) No.............................  Interstate............  Less stringent........  Enforcement prohibited.
(4) No.............................  Interstate............  More stringent........  Enforcement authorized if
                                                                                      the State can demonstrate
                                                                                      the law or regulation has
                                                                                      a safety benefit or does
                                                                                      not create an undue burden
                                                                                      upon interstate commerce
                                                                                      (See 49 CFR Part 355).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Sec. 350.335  What are the consequences if my State has laws or 
          regulations incompatible with the Federal regulations?

    (a) A State that currently has compatible CMV safety laws and 
regulations pertaining to interstate commerce (i.e., rules identical to 
the FMCSRs and HMRs) and intrastate commerce (i.e., rules identical to 
or within the tolerance guidelines for the FMCSRs and identical to the 
HMRs) but enacts a law or regulation which results in an incompatible 
rule will not be eligible for Basic Program Funds nor Incentive Funds.
    (b) A State that fails to adopt any new regulation or amendment to 
the FMCSRs or HMRs within three years of its effective date will be 
deemed to have incompatible regulations and will not be eligible for 
Basic Program nor Incentive Funds.
    (c) Those States with incompatible laws or regulations pertaining to 
intrastate commerce and receiving 50 percent of their basic formula 
allocation on April 20, 2000 will continue at that level of funding 
until those incompatibilities are removed, provided no further 
incompatibilities are created.
    (d) Upon a finding by the FMCSA, based upon its own initiative or 
upon a petition of any person, including any State, that your State law, 
regulation or enforcement practice pertaining to CMV safety, in either 
interstate or intrastate commerce, is incompatible with the FMCSRs or 
HMRs, the FMCSA may initiate a proceeding under Sec. 350.215 for 
withdrawal of eligibility for all Basic Program and Incentive Funds.
    (e) Any decision regarding the compatibility of your State law or 
regulation with the HMRs that requires an interpretation will be 
referred to the Research and Special Programs Administration of the DOT 
for such interpretation before proceeding under Sec. 350.215.

Sec. 350.337  How may State laws and regulations governing motor 
          carriers, CMV drivers, and CMVs in interstate commerce differ 
          from the FMCSRs and still be considered compatible?

    States are not required to adopt 49 CFR parts 398 and 399, subparts 
A through E and H of part 107, and Secs. 171.15 and 171.16, as 
applicable to either interstate or intrastate commerce.

[[Page 776]]

Sec. 350.339  What are tolerance guidelines?

    Tolerance guidelines set forth the limited deviations from the 
FMCSRs allowed in your State's laws and regulations. These variances 
apply only to motor carriers, CMV drivers and CMVs engaged in intrastate 
commerce and not subject to Federal jurisdiction.

Sec. 350.341  What specific variances from the FMCSRs are allowed for 
          State laws and regulations governing motor carriers, CMV 
          drivers, and CMVs engaged in intrastate commerce and not 
          subject to Federal jurisdiction?

    (a) A State may exempt a CMV from all or part of its laws or 
regulations applicable to intrastate commerce, provided that neither the 
GVW, GVWR, GCW, nor GCWR of the vehicle equals or exceeds 11,801 kg 
(26,001 lbs.). However, a State may not exempt a CMV from such laws or 
regulations if the vehicle:
    (1) Transports hazardous materials requiring a placard.
    (2) Is designed or used to transport 16 or more people, including 
the driver.
    (b) State laws and regulations applicable to intrastate commerce may 
not grant exemptions based upon the type of transportation being 
performed (e.g., for-hire, private, etc.).
    (c) A State may retain those exemptions from its motor carrier 
safety laws and regulations that were in effect before April, 1988, are 
still in effect, and apply to specific industries operating in 
intrastate commerce.
    (d) State laws and regulations applicable to intrastate commerce 
must not include exemptions based upon the distance a motor carrier or 
driver operates from the work reporting location. This prohibition does 
not apply to those exemptions already contained in the FMCSRs nor to the 
extension of the mileage radius exemption contained in 49 CFR 395.1(e) 
from 100 to 150 miles.
    (e) Hours of service--State hours-of-service limitations applied to 
intrastate transportation may vary to the extent of allowing the 
following:
    (1) A 12-hour driving limit, provided driving a CMV after having 
been on duty more than 16 hours is prohibited.
    (2) Driving prohibitions for drivers who have been on duty 70 hours 
in 7 consecutive days or 80 hours in 8 consecutive days.
    (f) Age of CMV driver--All CMV drivers must be at least 18 years of 
age.
    (g) Grandfather clauses--States may provide grandfather clauses in 
their rules and regulations if such exemptions are uniform or in 
substantial harmony with the FMCSRs and provide an orderly transition to 
full regulatory adoption at a later date.
    (h) Driver qualifications:
    (1) Intrastate drivers who do not meet the physical qualification 
standards in 49 CFR 391.41 may continue to be qualified to operate a CMV 
in intrastate commerce if the following three conditions are met:
    (i) The driver was qualified under existing State law or regulation 
at the time the State adopted physical qualification standards 
compatible with the Federal standards in 49 CFR 391.41.
    (ii) The otherwise non-qualifying medical or physical condition has 
not substantially worsened.
    (iii) No other non-qualifying medical or physical condition has 
developed.
    (2) The State may adopt or continue programs granting variances to 
intrastate drivers with medical or physical conditions that would 
otherwise be non-qualifying under the State's equivalent of 49 CFR 
391.41 if the variances are based upon sound medical judgment combined 
with appropriate performance standards ensuring no adverse affect on 
safety.

Sec. 350.343  How may a State obtain a new exemption for State laws and 
          regulations for a specific industry involved in intrastate 
          commerce?

    The FMCSA strongly discourages exemptions for specific industries, 
but will consider such requests if the State submits documentation 
containing information supporting evaluation of the following 10 
factors:
    (a) Type and scope of the industry exemption requested, including 
percentage of industry affected, number of vehicles, mileage traveled, 
number of companies involved.
    (b) Type and scope of the requirement to which the exemption would 
apply.

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    (c) Safety performance of that specific industry (e.g., accident 
frequency, rates and comparative figures).
    (d) Inspection information (e.g., number of violations per 
inspection, driver and vehicle out-of-service information).
    (e) Other CMV safety regulations enforced by other State agencies 
not participating in the MCSAP.
    (f) Commodity transported (e.g., livestock, grain).
    (g) Similar variations granted and the circumstances under which 
they were granted.
    (h) Justification for the exemption.
    (i) Identifiable effects on safety.
    (j) State's economic environment and its ability to compete in 
foreign and domestic markets.

Sec. 350.345  How does a State apply for additional variances from the 
          FMCSRs?

    Any State may apply to the Administrator for a variance from the 
FMCSRs for intrastate commerce. The variance will be granted only if the 
State satisfactorily demonstrates that the State law, regulation or 
enforcement practice:
    (a) Achieves substantially the same purpose as the similar Federal 
regulation.
    (b) Does not apply to interstate commerce.
    (c) Is not likely to have an adverse impact on safety.