OOIDA Backs Senate Bill to Prevent Dangerous FMCSA Mandate

For Immediate Release

OOIDA Backs Senate Bill to Prevent Dangerous FMCSA Mandate

Restricted truck speeds mean rolling roadblocks, road rage

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) today announced its strong support for the Deregulating Restrictions on Interstate Vehicles and Eighteen-Wheelers (DRIVE) Act (S. 2671). The legislation was introduced by Senator Steve Daines (R-MT) to prohibit the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) from promulgating any rule or regulation mandating speed limiters on large commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). A House version of the legislation (H.R. 3039) was introduced earlier this year.

Speed limiting devices on large trucks have been proven to create unnecessary congestion and dangerous speed differentials among vehicles. This results in higher rates of vehicle interaction and higher crash rates.

“Forcing trucks to speeds below the flow of traffic increases interactions between vehicles and leads to more crashes. It’ll be like an obstacle course for passenger vehicle drivers on our highways,” said OOIDA President Todd Spencer. “OOIDA and our 150,000 members in small business trucking across America thank Senator Daines for his leadership in working to keep our roadways safe for truckers and for all road users.”

“Montana truckers play an essential role in the Treasure State’s economy and ensuring they stay safe on the job is one of my top priorities,” Senator Daines said. “Overreaching, out-of-touch D.C. mandates oftentimes make truckers’ jobs harder and can even put their lives at risk—I’ll keep fighting for Montana truckers and against big government.” 

“The Montana Trucking Association would like to thank Senator Steve Daines for leading the efforts to inhibit FMCSA from implementing a requirement that trucks over 26,000 pounds have speed limiters. In rural states like Montana, a truck speed limiter will create additional speed differences between trucks and cars, which does not enhance the safety of our highways. Trucks should not be treated differently than cars by governing their speed.  Thank you, Senator Daines, for promoting the decision to let the individual states (who know their roads best), establish the proper speed limit for cars and trucks.” – Duane Williams, CEO, Montana Trucking Association

“A mandated speed limiter rule on trucks would cause rolling traffic jams on many interstate highways, where there’s varying terrain or when trying to pass two or more governed trucks. The resulting speed differentials between governed trucks and private vehicles will reduce highway safety. Thus, the National Association of Small Trucking Companies heartily supports the DRIVE Act. NASTC is very pleased to see this bill introduced in the Senate, and we thank Senator Daines for sponsoring the DRIVE Act,” said David Owen, President, National Association of Small Trucking Companies.

“Cattle producers have full faith in our highly trained livestock haulers. Adding another piece of government-mandated technology to their trucks will make them less prepared to adjust to road conditions while actually making the roads less safe. NCBA is a strong supporter of the DRIVE Act, and we appreciate Senator Daines supporting legislation that is backed by livestock haulers and makes the roads safer,” said National Cattlemen’s Beef Association President Todd Wilkinson.

“The Towing and Recovery Association of America, Inc. (TRAA) thanks Senator Daines for his support in opposition of speed limiting devices. We appreciate that he shares our concerns regarding responder and motorist safety. Any proposal that prevents operators from adhering to state Move Over Laws, limits their ability to react to roadway hazards, or has the potential to increase interactions and crashes is dangerous to responders and the motoring public,” said Cynthia J. Martineau, Executive Director of the Towing and Recovery Association of America.

The DRIVE Act was introduced in response to an FMCSA rulemaking proposal announced in April 2022. The agency has received more than 15,000 comments on the proposal, the majority from truck drivers expressing opposition.

Original Cosponsors

Senator Mike Lee (R-UT)
Senator Roger Marshall (R-KS)
Senator Mike Rounds (R-ND)
Senator John Thune (R-SD)
Senator Roger Wicker (R-MS)

Supportive Organizations

American Farm Bureau Federation
Livestock Marketing Association
Montana Trucking Association
National Association of Small Trucking Companies
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association (NCBA)
Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA)
Towing and Recovery Association of America.
Western States Trucking Association

Additional Resources

Video: Speed Limiters 101
Video: OOIDA Congressional Testimony
University of Arkansas Study
OOIDA Foundation Research

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