Trucking regulations in 2025: updates and what to expect

From sustainability mandates to safety innovations and tech integration, these trucking regulation updates require careful attention to ensure compliance and continuity.

With the presidential election around the corner, the direction and pace of regulatory changes will largely hinge on the administration that takes office in early 2025. However, regardless of political outcomes, staying informed gives your business a head start in adapting to any new regulatory landscape.

Key trucking regulations on the horizon

To remain compliant in 2025, businesses must not only understand upcoming regulatory shifts but also anticipate how potential policy changes may evolve throughout the year.

Here are the top regulations to keep on your radar:

1. Speed limiter mandate

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has delayed its proposed rule on speed limiters for heavy-duty trucks until May 2025. While the final ruling and specific speed thresholds are still under consideration, the industry remains divided.

• The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) opposes the mandate, citing concerns about traffic flow disruptions and an increased risk of accidents.
• In contrast, the Truckload Carriers Association (TCA) supports a flexible approach, recommending limits between 65–70 mph along with regular policy reviews.

Though the outcome is pending, it’s wise for carriers to start preparing now for potential implementation.

2. Automatic emergency braking (AEB) systems

In collaboration with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), FMCSA is working to finalize a rule requiring AEB systems for trucks in Class 3 and above. The regulation aims to standardize performance and testing protocols, with a final decision expected in early 2025.

3. Electronic logging devices (ELD) expansion

Another proposed change could extend ELD requirements to older trucks with pre-2000 engines. The FMCSA is also exploring revisions around:

• ELD malfunction protocols
• Device removal processes
• Technical specifications and compliance clarity

While some trucking stakeholders, including OOIDA, have voiced strong opposition, this rule is still under active review.

4. Safety measurement system (SMS) revisions

FMCSA recently held a virtual listening session to collect industry input on possible updates to its safety rating system. Key topics included:

• Replacing the current three-tier rating system with a simplified model, possibly flagging only “Unfit” carriers
• Reweighting certain behavioral violations—especially those under the “Unsafe Driving” category
• Considering roadside inspection data and CSA SMS metrics as the foundation for new evaluations

Critics remain concerned about the relevance of roadside data and the objectivity of the Crash Preventability Determination Program.

5. Drug and alcohol clearinghouse updates

A new FMCSA rule requires states to revoke commercial driving privileges for drivers flagged in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse. The rule mandates compliance by November 18, 2024, but enforcement is expected to ramp up throughout 2025.

Under this regulation, drivers with a “prohibited” status must complete the full return-to-duty process to regain their CDL. Some states may begin downgrading licenses earlier, so proactive monitoring is critical.

The administration's influence on trucking regulations. 

As with every election cycle, the 2024 presidential outcome will play a decisive role in shaping transportation policies. This will potentially accelerate, amend or halting certain rulemaking efforts.

Most of the regulations discussed here are still in various stages of review, and final implementation timelines remain fluid. That said, staying ahead of these conversations gives your business a strategic advantage.

Navigating new trucking regulations with Infios

No matter the timeline or final outcome, one thing is clear: technology is essential for navigating both current and future compliance requirements. Even if rules are delayed, the benefits of digital tools extend far beyond regulation—they streamline processes, improve documentation and help protect your fleet.

Infios’s enterprise TMS is built with this flexibility in mind. Our platform empowers logistics teams to:

• Stay ahead of compliance deadlines
• Monitor driver behavior and safety
• Automate critical workflows and reporting
• Maintain real-time visibility across the supply chain

As we move into 2025, investing in smart solutions today means less disruption tomorrow.