Media Contact: (360) 664-1116 or media@utc.wa.gov
Docket numbers: T-220252
UTC Approves New Rules for Motor Carrier Safety
Lacey, WA. – The Utilities and Transportation Commission (UTC) adopted a set of rules that better align UTC Motor Carrier Safety regulations with the Washington State Patrol (WSP), the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Title 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
The commission rules apply to commercial passenger transportation, household goods carriers, and solid waste haulers. The rules implement key updates that increase accessibility and inclusion, increase consistency with other regulating agencies, and improve security and safety regulations.
New Rule Changes:
Improved Language:
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The UTC updated language in the rules to be more inclusive and easier to understand.
Surplus Lines:
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In most circumstances, companies can now use surplus lines insurance.
Marking Requirements:
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Marking requirements are now consistent across industries with FMCSA.
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Your UTC and USDOT number must now be displayed on the driver and passenger side of the vehicle.
Intrastate Medical Waivers:
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Several industries now allow commercially licensed drivers with an intrastate medical waiver from DOL to operate who were otherwise not physically qualified.
Digital Records:
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Companies are allowed to use digital records for record retention purposes.
Household Good Company changes:
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The definition of carrier or household goods carrier now includes “motor carrier” to be consistent with the federal motor carrier safety administration’s definition.
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There are now increased requirements for household good companies to conduct national background checks vs. state level checks.
Passenger Transportation Company changes:
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Updated the seating capacity definition from “eight or more” to “more than eight” for motor vehicle, and vehicle, so we are consistent with the FMCSA definition. This allows UTC to focus our enforcement efforts on vehicles with larger seating capacities rather than personal transportation vehicles.
Commission Chair Dave Danner and Commissioners Ann Rendahl and Milt Doumit signed the orders adopting the Motor Carrier Safety Rules on July 14, 2023.
The UTC regulates the rates and services of household goods movers; passenger transportation companies; investor-owned electric, natural gas, garbage, and water utilities; landline telecommunications companies; garbage haulers; commercial ferries; pipeline companies; marine pilotage; and a low-level radioactive waste repository.
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