States Just Changed Trucking Rules: What Every Trucker Needs to Know
Truckers are confronting a mix of policy changes, enforcement activity and rising operating costs as lawmakers and transportation agencies consider new rules affecting taxes, infrastructure, safety complaints and commercial vehicle operations.
Transportation Measures Face Mixed Results
Voters in three states approved billions of dollars for transportation projects, though the impact on freight movement will depend on how the funds are allocated and whether projects address congestion, road conditions and truck access.
In Fresno County, California, voters rejected Measure S. The county already applies a 1.975% sales tax in addition to California’s 6% state sales tax. One concern raised by truckers and other drivers was a provision that would have prevented the construction of additional lanes for truck and passenger-vehicle traffic.
North Carolina lawmakers also approved legislation requiring cities and towns that supported cancellation of a transportation project to reimburse the state Department of Transportation for money already spent. The project had accumulated nearly $69.6 million in costs before the Capital Region Transportation Planning Organization canceled it.
Enforcement and Complaint Systems Draw Attention
Recent commercial driver enforcement operations in Virginia and Arkansas identified 283 violations. The activity comes as the U.S. Department of Transportation reports that approximately 33,000 drivers have been placed out of service over deficiencies involving English-language requirements.
The administration also is developing a website intended to make it easier for truckers, members of the public and other parties to submit complaints related to commercial vehicle enforcement and safety matters.
OOIDA Executive Vice President Lewie Pugh told a House subcommittee in March 2025 that the National Consumer Complaint Database is where a trucker’s complaints “go to die.” Pugh said the organization plans to work with the next Congress on transportation priorities, including truck parking, restroom access and maintaining current minimum liability insurance requirements.
Federal Policy Could Affect Equipment and Driver Pay
The Clean Air Act’s prohibition on tampering with emissions-control systems and its criminal penalties remain in effect. Under the general five-year federal statute of limitations, conduct occurring in 2026 could remain subject to prosecution through 2031, although enforcement decisions can vary based on the facts of a case.
Several federal proposals also could affect drivers and motor carriers. The Guaranteeing Overtime for Truckers Act has sponsors from both parties, while Rep. Julia Brownley’s Predatory Truck Leasing Prevention Act includes provisions similar to lease-purchase language already included in highway legislation.
The extent of broker liability in state tort cases also remains under review. In a concurrence joined by Justice Samuel Alito, Justice Brett Kavanaugh wrote that brokers should be able to successfully defend against state tort suits when they have acted reasonably.
Operating Costs Continue to Pressure Carriers
Truckers continue to face higher expenses for fuel, tires, repairs and equipment. In Pennsylvania, diesel was reported at approximately $6.56 per gallon during one period, prompting some independent operators to compare prices through mobile applications and adjust fueling plans to reduce costs.
Rising operating expenses are also increasing attention on state income tax rules. For truckers and small fleets, the amount of income retained after taxes can directly affect money available for fuel, maintenance, equipment payments and other costs of keeping a truck on the road.
Insurance costs remain another concern for carriers. Industry representatives have said commercial auto rates are unlikely to decline significantly as other factors continue to increase loss costs, with tort reform viewed as a measure that may slow further increases rather than reverse the trend.
