NOTE: Please do not use this guide as a substitute for the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). The guide is currently being revised and continues to change as regulations are published, updated, etc. You should consult the FMCSRs, which are updated quarterly online.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has produced "A Motor Carrier's Guide to Improving Highway Safety" for our Education and Technical Assistance Program. This booklet provides basic compliance guidance to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). However, it is not intended to be a substitute for these regulations. To purchase a complete copy of the FMCSRs, Parts 300-399, contact the Superintendent of Documents, U.S. Government Printing Office, Washington, DC 20402, telephone: (202) 512-1800 or at www.access.gpo.gov.

Our overall goal is to improve the safe transportation of passengers and goods on the nation's highways, through a coordinated effort of Federal, State, and industry organizations to reduce fatalities, injuries, property damage and Hazardous Materials incidents. We implement this safety and compliance program through a national network of 64 field offices.

This booklet is comprised of thirteen parts, each containing a specific safety regulation topic that is covered in the FMCSRs. These parts are listed in the Table of Contents. Each part contains information sheets that cover the highlights of that section. Please feel free to reproduce any or all material in this package and to distribute copies as needed. You may also obtain this information on our Web site at www.fmcsa.dot.gov.

It is the responsibility of motor carrier operators and drivers to know and comply with all applicable FMCSRs. Safety compliance and safe operations translate into saved lives and property. We believe the information in this package, when effectively applied, will contribute to safer motor carrier operations and highways.