One state may prohibit speed limits on trucks
The new bill would ban the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) from requiring the use of speed limits on commercial trucks.
On Tuesday, Oklahoma Rep. Josh Brecheen, a Republican, introduced the Interstate Vehicle Restrictions Deregulation Act. The law may stop the FMCSA from enforcing any rule or regulation requiring vehicles over 26000 pounds to install a speed limiter.
The representative stated that such speed limit would have a negative impact on both agriculture and freight transport. “This rule will add another unnecessary burden, and Congress should stop it,” Brecheen said.
Trucking industry advocacy groups are divided in their reactions to the possible innovation. Brecheen’s bill was supported by the Independent Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA).
“Limiting the speed of trucks below the speed of the flow increases the interaction between vehicles and leads to more accidents,” said OOIDA President Todd Spencer. “OOIDA and our 150000 trucking members across America thank Congressman Brecheen for his leadership in keeping our roads safe for truckers and all road users.”
The American Trucking Association (ATA) opposed the bill, believing that the use of speed limiters is necessary.
In its announcements, ATA supports the electronic control of Class 7 and 8 trucks manufactured after 1992, which must be driven by a fixed maximum speed of 65 mph or a speed limit of 70 mph using adaptive cruise control and automatic emergency braking.
