The FMCSA’s steady‑burning light rule, in effect since 2022, forces carriers to replace flashing warning lights with non‑flashing, steady‑burning devices on trucks hauling hazardous materials. It’s a safety win, but it also adds a compliance headache.
What happened
A mid‑size carrier, Midwest Freight Solutions, filed a petition with the FMCSA to join the exclusive list of 13 carriers already granted an exemption. The company argues that retrofitting its 250‑plus fleet would cost $4.2 million and cause operational delays. The FMCSA’s docket shows the agency is reviewing the request, but no decision date has been set.
Why it matters for dispatchers/drivers
Dispatchers are the first line of compliance. An exemption changes routing, load planning, and driver briefing. Without a steady‑burning light, drivers risk citations and fines—average $3,500 per violation—and can see their safety rating dip, affecting insurance premiums. For carriers without an exemption, the rule means re‑training drivers on new visual cues and updating dispatch software to flag compliant equipment.
My take
The FMCSA is playing a dangerous game by handing out exemptions. It creates a two‑tier safety system that benefits big players while leaving smaller carriers to scramble. If Midwest gets its waiver, we’ll see a flood of similar petitions, eroding the rule’s purpose. Dispatchers must treat this as a red flag and demand uniform compliance, not special treatment.
— Ekjot Singh
What you should do
- Verify every truck in your dispatch system shows the correct **steady‑burning** light status before load assignment.
- Update driver SOPs to include a pre‑trip visual check for the new lighting; log any missing devices.
- Contact your carrier’s safety manager now: if you’re not exempt, push for a fleet‑wide retrofit plan and budget it into your next quarter’s expenses.
For hands‑on training on compliance and how to integrate these checks into your dispatch workflow, check out EK Dispatch Academy’s Regulation Mastery module at /curriculum.