What is a compliance review?

A compliance review is an on-site examination of a motor carrier's operations, such as drivers' hours of service, maintenance and inspection, driver qualification, commercial driver's license requirements, financial responsibility, accidents, hazardous materials, and other safety and transportation records to determine whether a motor carrier meets the safety fitness standard.

Who is responsible for safety compliance?

Businesses and individuals who operate commercial motor vehicles to transport passengers or cargo in commerce must comply with applicable laws and safety regulations. Safety compliance and safe operations reduce fatalities, injuries, property damage, and hazardous materials incidents.

How do I learn more about safety compliance?

The Office of Motor Carrier Compliance presents New Entrant Safety Seminars to provide education and technical assistance to motor carrier officials regarding applicable laws and safety regulations. These free seminars are held at various locations throughout Florida, and all motor carriers that operate solely in intrastate commerce are encouraged to attend. The schedule of upcoming seminars is available online. Please call (407) 532-2787 to register for a seminar or to obtain more information.

Which laws and safety regulations apply to my operation?

Motor carriers transporting property in commercial motor vehicles are subject to s. 316.302 and s. 627.7415 , Fla. Stat.

Motor carriers transporting passengers in nonpublic sector buses are subject to s. 316.70 and s. 627.742 , Fla. Stat.

Florida's driver's license classifications are detailed in s. 322.54, Fla. Stat.

The above statutes incorporate and refer to portions of Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations . Note: certain exemptions may apply based upon the specific nature of transportation operations being performed.

How are motor carriers selected for a compliance review?

The Office of Motor Carrier Compliance focuses its resources on motor carriers demonstrating the greatest need for improvement in safety performance and compliance. Motor carriers are prioritized for compliance reviews based on the following factors:

• Crashes
• Hazardous materials incidents
• Enforcement follow-up
• Complaint investigations
• Out-of-service Driver Vehicle Examination Reports
• Safety Evaluation Areas

Will penalties result from a compliance review?

If significant violations are discovered, a civil penalty not to exceed $5,000 may be assessed as a result of the first compliance review. Motor carriers may be assessed a civil penalty not to exceed $25,000 and enjoined pursuant to s. 316.3026 , Fla. Stat., for violations discovered during follow up compliance reviews. The applicable penalty schedule is contained in Rule 14-87.0012 , Florida Administrative Code.

How can I obtain additional information?

For additional information regarding intrastate operation, please contact the Office of Motor Carrier Compliance at (386) 943-5623.

For additional information regarding interstate operation, please contact the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration at (850) 942-9338 or visit www.fmcsa.dot.gov/.

Link to Florida Statutes and FMCSA rules:

www.flsenate.gov/Statutes/

www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/rules-regulations.htm

www.flrules.org/