FMCSA seeks comments on vehicle maintenance recordkeeping burden

Public comments are requested on the paperwork burden for keeping commercial vehicle inspection, repair, and maintenance records. The agency plans to renew the current information collection with the Office of Management and Budget. No new rules or forms are proposed. The existing requirements will continue if approved.

Motor carriers and drivers must keep records of vehicle inspections, repairs, and maintenance. Electronic records are allowed. Documents that require a signature must be reproducible for verification. Carriers that follow equivalent state or Canadian provincial inspection programs do not need to keep federal periodic inspection records.

The agency estimates the current recordkeeping takes 13,184,781 hours each year across all carriers and drivers. FMCSA wants to know if the collection is still necessary and if the burden estimates are accurate. Comments can also suggest ways to reduce the time spent on paperwork without lowering safety standards.

Comments must be received by September 14, 2026. Submissions should include docket number FMCSA-2026-1553. Carriers can submit feedback online, by mail, by hand delivery, or by fax. The agency will review all comments before sending the renewal request to OMB.

Source: Federal Register — https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/07/16/2026-14350/agency-information-collection-activities-renewal-of-an-approved-information-collection-inspection