The trucking world is changing with new rules that will affect how you do your job. In 2025, the FMCSA is expected to make several big changes that all drivers and truck owners need to understand, but for now, some of these are still speculations. From possible new ELD rules for older trucks to safety updates, these changes could impact your daily work on the road.
Big Rule Changes for 2025
English Language Requirements Get Stricter
On May 20, 2025, the DOT Secretary signed a new rule about English language skills for truck drivers. Starting June 25, 2025, if you can’t speak or read enough English, you can be put out of service+ during inspections.
This new rule follows the President’s order from April 2025 to make highways safer. It cancels an older rule from 2016 that was more relaxed about language skills.
The FMCSA says drivers must be able to read and speak English well enough to understand road signs, talk with safety officers, and follow directions. This helps keep everyone safe on the road. For more details, check the official FMCSA announcement.
MC Numbers Going Away
Starting October 1, 2025, the FMCSA is getting rid of MC (Motor Carrier) numbers. Everyone will just use their USDOT number instead. This makes paperwork simpler and helps stop fraud.
With this new system, your USDOT number will get a special code added to it that shows what kind of authority you have. You won’t get separate MC numbers anymore. Make sure your USDOT info is up to date on all your paperwork.
Speed Limiters Coming Soon
The FMCSA wants to make a rule that would limit how fast trucks can go. This would affect trucks with electronic engine controls that weigh 26,001 pounds or more.
They’ll make a final decision by May 2025, and the speed limit will likely be between 65-70 mph. This rule aims to reduce crashes caused by speeding. For updates, visit the FMCSA Rules page.
Automatic Braking Systems
The NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) has made a rule requiring automatic emergency braking systems on all cars and light trucks by September 2029.
The FMCSA is also working on rules for automatic braking systems on big trucks. These systems can help prevent rear-end crashes or make them less severe when they do happen.
Drug and Alcohol Testing Changes
There are several changes to drug and alcohol testing in 2025:
- Possibly fewer random tests: If positive drug tests stay below 1% for 2022 and 2023, the FMCSA might drop random testing from 50% to 25% of drivers in 2025.
- Clearinghouse enforcement: Drivers who fail drug tests and show up in the Clearinghouse will lose their CDL. To get it back, they must complete the FMCSA’s return-to-duty process.
- Saliva resting now allowed: Since May 2023, saliva samples can be used for drug testing, not just urine tests.
Fine Increases
The FMCSA has updated the fine amounts for 2025 for breaking DOT rules. These fines go up with inflation to make sure they still discourage violations. You can find the details in the Federal Register.
ELD Rule for Pre-2000 Engines
IMPORTANT NEWS: If you drive a truck with a pre-2000 engine, listen up. The FMCSA has pushed back the ELD (Electronic Logging Device) deadline to June 2025.
This affects thousands of older trucks that didn’t need ELDs before. After June 2025, all commercial trucks must have ELDs, no matter how old the engine is, and there won’t be any more delays.
Time is running out for drivers with older trucks. But, as we are waiting for this to be confirmed, don’t wait until the last minute to get your ELD. Getting one now will make the change easier and help you avoid fines or being put out of service.
How These Changes Affect Your Job
These new rules mean truck companies and drivers need to make some changes:
- New equipment: If you have a pre-2000 engine truck, you’ll need an ELD by June 2025. Newer trucks might need speed limiters and automatic braking systems.
- Paperwork updates: With MC numbers going away, make sure all your paperwork uses your USDOT number.
- Language skills: The stricter English language rules mean some drivers might need extra training.
- Safety training: New braking technologies will require learning new safety procedures.
Staying compliant: You’ll need to keep track of all these rules to avoid violations.
If you’re still running a pre-2000 engine or haven’t installed an ELD yet, now is the time to act.
By getting RouteMate ELD now instead of waiting until the last minute, you’ll avoid the rush before the deadline and start enjoying the benefits of electronic logging right away. If you’re new to ELDs, RouteMate is hands down the best place to start. It’s built with simplicity in mind, making it incredibly user-friendly for both new drivers and those switching from paper logs. Drivers who’ve used it consistently praise how easy it is to learn and navigate — no confusing menus, no tech headaches, just a clean interface that gets the job done.
Whether you’re managing logs, inspections, or HOS compliance, everything is straightforward and intuitive. That’s why so many drivers say, “This is the ELD I wish I had from day one.”
- Get your RouteMate ELD today — fast, reliable, and FMCSA-compliant.
Sign up here to lock in your pricing and stay road-ready.
Disclaimer:
No final decisions have been confirmed by FMCSA – This blog is based on the latest information, but for official statements from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration follow their updates. Rules may change, so always check the official FMCSA website for the most current requirements.
