S.1696 - Deregulating Restrictions on Interstate Vehicles and Eighteen-wheelers Act; DRIVE Act (119th Congress)
Summary
S.1696, also known as the DRIVE Act, aims to prevent the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) from mandating speed limiting devices on commercial motor vehicles. The bill was introduced in the Senate on May 8, 2025, and referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation. The core purpose is to ensure that the FMCSA cannot issue rules requiring speed limiting devices on commercial vehicles.
Expected Effects
The DRIVE Act, if enacted, would block any potential FMCSA regulation requiring speed limiting devices on commercial vehicles. This could lead to varied speed management practices among trucking companies, potentially impacting safety and fuel efficiency. The absence of mandated speed limiters could also affect interstate commerce and transportation regulations.
Potential Benefits
- Potentially reduces regulatory burden on trucking companies, allowing them to manage speed based on their operational needs.
- Could lead to increased efficiency for some trucking operations if speed limiters are perceived as hindering timely deliveries.
- May offer flexibility in adapting to diverse road conditions and traffic patterns.
- Potentially avoids costs associated with installing and maintaining speed limiting devices.
- Could foster innovation in speed management strategies by trucking companies.
Most Benefited Areas:
Potential Disadvantages
- Potentially increases the risk of accidents due to higher speeds of commercial vehicles.
- May lead to higher fuel consumption and increased emissions.
- Could create inconsistencies in speed management across different trucking fleets.
- Potentially undermines efforts to improve road safety through technological interventions.
- May face opposition from safety advocacy groups and regulatory bodies focused on reducing accidents.
Constitutional Alignment
The bill primarily concerns the regulation of interstate commerce, which falls under the purview of Congress as outlined in Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the U.S. Constitution (the Commerce Clause). This clause grants Congress the power to regulate commerce among the several states. The DRIVE Act seeks to limit the regulatory authority of an administrative agency (FMCSA) in this area. The constitutionality of the act hinges on whether it appropriately balances the power of Congress to regulate commerce with the need for safety and efficiency in transportation.
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).