H.R.2819 - Deregulating Restrictions on Interstate Vehicles and Eighteen-wheelers Act; DRIVE Act (119th Congress)
Summary
H.R.2819, also known as the DRIVE Act, seeks to prevent the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) from mandating speed limiting devices on vehicles weighing over 26,000 pounds operating in interstate commerce. The bill was introduced in the House of Representatives on April 10, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The primary aim is to deregulate restrictions on interstate vehicles, specifically eighteen-wheelers, by prohibiting speed limiting devices.
The bill's sponsors argue that such devices stifle economic activity and create unnecessary burdens on the trucking industry. They believe that experienced drivers should have the autonomy to manage their speed based on road conditions and cargo, rather than being constrained by a government-mandated speed limit.
The Act is presented as a measure to reduce regulatory overreach and promote efficiency in the transportation sector.
Expected Effects
If enacted, the DRIVE Act would prevent the FMCSA from implementing any rule requiring speed limiting devices on large commercial vehicles. This would leave speed regulation to the discretion of drivers and trucking companies, potentially leading to varied speed management practices across the industry. The absence of mandated speed limiters could affect safety, fuel efficiency, and overall transportation costs.
Trucking companies would have more flexibility in operations. However, this could also lead to concerns about increased accident risks and higher fuel consumption.
Potential Benefits
- Reduced Regulatory Burden: Eases compliance requirements for trucking companies.
- Increased Driver Autonomy: Allows experienced drivers to manage speed based on real-time conditions.
- Potential for Faster Delivery Times: Eliminating speed limiters could, in some situations, reduce transit times.
- Cost Savings for Some Operators: Some companies may see reduced costs associated with device maintenance and monitoring.
- Supports Free Market Principles: Limits government intervention in private sector operations.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potential Safety Risks: Higher speeds could increase the risk of accidents involving large trucks.
- Increased Fuel Consumption: Higher speeds generally lead to lower fuel efficiency.
- Environmental Concerns: Increased fuel consumption contributes to higher emissions.
- Inconsistent Speed Management: Lack of uniform speed limits could create confusion and hazards on highways.
- Potential for Infrastructure Damage: Higher speeds and heavier loads can accelerate wear and tear on roads and bridges.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill's alignment with the US Constitution primarily concerns the Commerce Clause (Article I, Section 8), which grants Congress the power to regulate interstate commerce. The DRIVE Act seeks to limit the regulatory authority of the FMCSA, an agency created by Congress, in this domain.
Arguments for alignment could suggest that the Act promotes economic freedom and reduces undue burdens on businesses engaged in interstate commerce. Conversely, arguments against alignment might focus on the federal government's responsibility to ensure safety and efficiency in interstate transportation, potentially justifying federal regulations on speed.
The Tenth Amendment, reserving powers not delegated to the federal government to the states or the people, could also be relevant if the Act is viewed as preventing federal overreach into areas traditionally regulated at the state level.
Impact Assessment: Things You Care About ⓘ
This action has been evaluated across 19 key areas that matter to you. Scores range from 1 (highly disadvantageous) to 5 (highly beneficial).