Federal Register #FMCSA-2026-0958

FMCSA Five-Year Exemption for Cab-Mounted Beacons on Level 4 ADS Trucks

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), within the U.S. Department of Transportation, issued a five-year exemption for warning beacons on certain automated trucks. - Government buyer: No purchase is being made. The issuing agency is the U.S. Department of Transportation’s FMCSA; no sub-agency or office beyond FMCSA is identified. - Notice: FMCSA grants Aurora Operations, Inc. and other eligible motor carriers operating Level 4 automated-driving-system (ADS) commercial vehicles a limited exemption. - Requested products or services: None. This is a regulatory exemption notice, not a procurement solicitation or contract award; no products, services, quantities, or part numbers are specified. - OEMs and other named organizations: Volvo is the named vehicle manufacturer. Aurora Operations, Inc. is identified as a carrier; TECHNET, CTA, and AVIA are also mentioned in comments supporting cab-mounted beacons. - Key requirements and effect: Eligible vehicles may use cab-mounted warning beacons instead of traditional warning devices and receive relief from specified warning-device placement, steady-burning lamp, and device-type and quantity requirements. Other carriers must notify FMCSA before operating under the exemption and comply with its conditions. FMCSA determined the approach would likely provide an equivalent or greater level of safety. - Period: The exemption lasts five years.

Description

FMCSA grants Aurora Operations, Inc. and other motor carriers operating Level 4 automated driving system-equipped commercial motor vehicles, with prior notice to FMCSA, a limited five-year exemption from specified warning-device placement, steady-burning lamp, and warning-device type and number requirements. The exemption allows the use of cab-mounted warning beacons instead of traditional warning devices on those vehicles. FMCSA determined the exemption would likely achieve a level of safety equivalent to or greater than that provided by the regulations. It is effective October 7, 2026, and expires October 7, 2031.

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