Proposed, adopted or changed laws and regulations materially affecting relevant markets.
FMCSA extends veterans’ CDL waiver window under Freedom Haulers
FMCSA has extended the military skills test waiver window for veterans seeking US commercial driving licences from one year to two, while offering training to those without military truck experience. The Freedom Haulers initiative aims to recruit veterans into trucking.
US launches Freedom Haulers programme to recruit veteran truck drivers
The US administration has launched Freedom Haulers to recruit veterans into heavy-truck driving, expanding CDL waivers, tuition support and training pathways while easing licensing for service members.
Canada to end Commercial Driver Registration Program in September
Canada’s border agency will discontinue its Commercial Driver Registration Program on 1 September because of low participation and overlap with FAST, directing commercial drivers towards the joint Canada-US trusted-trader scheme.
Energy Networks Australia urges open-access kerbside charging reform
Energy Networks Australia is urging Australia’s energy-market regulator to allow electricity distributors to install and maintain open-access kerbside EV chargers, arguing this would accelerate deployment, improve competition and widen access for renters and apartment residents.
US bill would require NHTSA safety standards for autonomous vehicles
A US House bill would require NHTSA to set minimum safety standards for autonomous vehicles, mandate safety-data reporting and create emergency hotlines and geofence notices for public officials.
British Columbia passes commercial dash camera mandate
British Columbia’s Bill M217 mandates forward-facing 1080p cameras, 72-hour retention and night vision on commercial vehicles above 11,793kg operating on provincial highways. The law follows Royal Assent and applies to qualifying US-registered trucks using B.C. routes.
China to bar passenger cars with blue ADAS indicator lamps
China’s Ministry of Industry and Information Technology will enforce lighting rules that bar passenger cars with blue ADAS indicator lamps from new vehicle regulatory filings. Automakers may need to alter or disable the lights, including through OTA updates.
Commission sets out implementation plan for new EU driving-licence rules
The European Commission has published an implementation strategy for new EU driving-licence and disqualification rules, covering accompanied driving, novice-driver probation, fitness checks, mobile licences and cross-border enforcement.
China’s EV lead is reshaping Australia’s imported car market
June data shows China’s domestic EV growth is driving exports, while Thailand’s electrification could reshape Australian imports. Australia’s battery-electric sales reached 23.3% of new-car sales, highlighting the influence of supplier-country policy and production choices.
2026 Driver CPC rules and fleet compliance explained
A 2026 guide explains Driver CPC’s five-year, 35-hour training requirement, the distinction between National and International CPC, requalification after expiry and how fleets can track driver compliance.
US senators introduce bill targeting identity-changing trucking operators
Bipartisan US Senate legislation would study “chameleon carriers”, require the FMCSA to detect identity-changing operators during registration and improve agency information sharing, with an appeals process for wrongly flagged applicants.
B.C. trucking group forms task force on commercial dashcam legislation
British Columbia’s trucking association has formed a task force to advise on regulations for Bill M217, which requires qualifying commercial vehicles to use forward-facing dash cameras with defined recording, retention and technical capabilities.
UN adopts global technical framework for automated driving systems
The UN has adopted the first globally harmonised technical framework for Automated Driving Systems. The rules establish performance-based safety, validation, fallback, data-recording and lifecycle requirements for fully autonomous vehicles, with implications for manufacturers, suppliers and certification bodies.
US tightens freight-broker financial responsibility rules
Updated US FMCSA financial-responsibility rules for freight brokers and forwarders took effect on 16 January 2026. They tighten BMC-84 and BMC-85 requirements, require faster reporting and suspension, and restrict trust assets and eligible trustees.
Australia rules out extending fuel-excise relief as petrol prices rise
Australia’s prime minister says the government is not planning to extend fuel-excise relief beyond 2 August, as oil prices rise and petrol prices approach $2 a litre.
$604m C.H. Robinson verdict tests freight-broker liability
A Texas jury has awarded $604 million against C.H. Robinson and other defendants over a fatal truck crash. The verdict follows a US Supreme Court ruling allowing negligent-hiring claims against freight brokers, potentially reshaping carrier-selection liability.
Canada’s CRA criticised over trucking personal-services-business audits
Canada’s tax agency is facing criticism from incorporated truck owner-operators and accountants over focused personal-services-business audits, with claims that reviews overlook truck ownership, operating costs and financial risk.
US connected-vehicle rules raise technology supply-chain risks
US restrictions on connected-vehicle hardware and automated-driving software linked to China or Russia are forcing automakers to scrutinise technology provenance, ownership and supplier dependencies. Software restrictions begin for model year 2027, with hardware restrictions following from 2029 or 2030.
US Senate panel advances bills on connected-vehicle security and staged crashes
The US Senate Commerce Committee approved a bill to block connected vehicles and related software and hardware linked to China, Russia, Iran or North Korea. Separate legislation would criminalise staged crashes involving commercial vehicles.
US Senate advances China auto bill that could affect Mercedes-Benz
The US Senate Commerce Committee advanced a bill restricting Chinese-linked vehicle technology and ownership. Mercedes-Benz could be affected because Chinese shareholders hold nearly 20% of the company; lawmakers said changes, a waiver or compliance by 2030 may apply.
EU battery regulation raises safety and traceability requirements
The article examines lithium-ion battery fire risks and the evolving safety framework, including UN 38.3 transport testing, IEC and UL standards, and the EU Batteries Regulation. It highlights the planned 2027 Battery Passport and stronger lifecycle traceability and safety requirements.
Pennsylvania raises penalty for unauthorised CDL schools to $25,000
Pennsylvania has raised the maximum civil penalty for operating an unauthorised commercial driver training school from $2,500 to $25,000. The law exempts employers training their own staff at no cost.
US imposes additional 50% tariffs on certain Canadian motor vehicles
The US is imposing additional 50% tariffs on certain Canadian imports, including motor vehicles, under Section 338 of the Tariff Act. The duties are due to take effect 30 days after President Trump signed three proclamations.
Romanian guide details freight-transport company and licensing requirements
A Romanian guide outlines company-registration, licensing, financial-capacity and transport-manager requirements for freight operators. It also covers the 2026 smart-tachograph obligation for 2.5–3.5-tonne vehicles used on international EU routes and current ARR fees.
TollRo sets 1 October 2026 deadline for heavy-vehicle fleets
Romania’s TollRo road-charge scheme is due to start on 1 October 2026 for commercial vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. The guide compares route tickets, CNAIR’s eTarife app and SETRo contracts with OBU equipment, alongside tariffs, penalties and fleet-preparation steps.
EU plan promotes V2G and transport electrification for energy security
The European Commission’s Electrification Action Plan targets 46% electrification by 2040 and promotes vehicle-to-grid technology to make EVs a source of grid storage. It also highlights charging infrastructure for battery-electric ferries and transport’s role in reducing fossil-fuel dependence.
Romania clarifies freight-driver certification rules for vehicles over 3.5 tonnes
A Romanian guide explains when freight drivers need professional certification under Codul 95, distinguishing requirements for vehicles above 3.5 tonnes from licensing and tachograph obligations affecting 2.5–3.5-tonne international operators.
2026 EU driving-time and rest rules for truck and coach drivers
A 2026 guide summarises EU driving-time and rest rules for truck and coach drivers, including daily and weekly limits, tachograph-recorded breaks, reduced weekly-rest compensation and employers’ return-home obligations. It also outlines Romanian enforcement.
Romania sets 2026 rovinieta fines and prepares TollRo transition
A 2026 guide outlines Romania’s rovinieta fines, payment rules and new grace period. It also says commercial vehicles over 3.5 tonnes will move to the distance-based TollRo system from 1 October 2026, while cars and lighter vehicles remain on the rovinieta scheme.
Romanian fleets face 28- and 90-day tachograph download deadlines
CargoTrack explains EU tachograph download obligations, including 28-day deadlines for driver cards, 90-day deadlines for vehicle units and one-year retention. It also covers Romania’s €? No, 4,000–6,000 lei fines and remote-download options.
Ontario truck tyre recycling fee to rise amid collection crisis
Ontario’s heavy- and medium-truck tyre recycling fee will rise to C$16 from 1 August as municipalities halt collections and dealers face mounting stockpiles. Industry groups are urging regulatory changes to restore collection capacity and improve enforcement.
TfL expands Lane Rental to Camden and Merton, funds AI, smart barriers and drones
TfL has extended its Lane Rental scheme to Camden and Merton and approved eight more boroughs for rollout from autumn 2026. Revenue funds trials of smart barriers, camera-based AI on buses, drone inspections and coordination programmes (Dig Once, BusSense) to reduce streetworks disruption and improve bus journey reliability.
UK to introduce mileage-based EV duty from 2028
The UK government has confirmed a mileage-based electric vehicle excise duty from April 2028, has set rates at 3p per mile for BEVs and 1.5p for PHEVs, and has implemented simplified fleet arrangements while industry groups have expressed opposition.
US House panel advances 10-year DEF safe-harbour bill
A US House subcommittee advanced bills providing a 10-year safe harbour for EPA diesel-exhaust-fluid guidance and extending the Diesel Emissions Reduction Act through 2029, including $100m in annual retrofit and replacement funding.
Great Britain restricts marketing terms for authorised self-driving vehicles
Great Britain has introduced regulations reserving terms including “self-driving”, “driverless” and “autonomous” for authorised or listed vehicles, with enforcement possible against misleading marketing claims.
Hainan to Ban Sale of ICE Vehicles by 2030
Hainan has announced a ban on internal combustion engine vehicle sales by 2030 and has set targets for NEV penetration, charger ratios and energy self-sufficiency; it has outlined infrastructure expansion and policy incentives to address grid, cost and urban‑planning challenges.
China's solid-state battery standard takes effect
China has implemented a national solid-state battery standard, which has required automakers and suppliers to verify factory production readiness; Dongfeng, Doctex and other manufacturers have adjusted timelines and pilot operations in response.
EU tariffs have shifted EV production and imports
EU tariffs have reduced the market share of China-made EVs by prompting Western brands to onshore production, while imports of Chinese-branded vehicles and battery imports have continued to increase, and Chinese manufacturers have expanded local and hybrid production.
EPA proposes easing 2027 heavy-duty truck compliance costs
The US EPA has proposed retaining 2027 heavy-duty diesel NOx limits while delaying durability requirements, limiting warranty expansion and removing mandatory DEF derates. It estimates savings of up to $6,000 per engine, potentially affecting truck-buying decisions.
Driver fatigue: fleet safety risk
Fleet operators have recognised driver fatigue as a material safety risk and have been advised to integrate scheduling, rest policies, data analytics and DDAW systems into risk management to reduce incidents and operational disruption.
EU regulation establishes common urban mobility indicators
The European Commission has adopted an Implementing Regulation requiring Member States to collect harmonised urban mobility indicators on sustainability, safety and accessibility, and has set initial data submission by end 2027 with four-yearly updates.
New York Section 800.26: EMS Non-Transport Camera Rules
New York has updated Section 800.26 and has required forward‑facing and rear cameras, g‑force event recording with pre‑ and post‑event capture, audio, ten‑day retention, seatbelts, anti‑theft devices and secured equipment for non‑transport EMS vehicles acquired after 22 October 2026.
UNECE adopts first international rules for fully driverless vehicles
UNECE’s WP.29 has adopted the first international regulation for fully driverless automated driving systems. It sets safety-case, testing, monitoring and data-storage requirements, and has been endorsed by major markets including Canada, China, the EU, Japan, the UK and US.
MEPs reject EU regulation phasing out soy biofuels by 2030
The European Parliament has rejected a regulation that would have removed soy biofuels from renewable-fuel status by 2030. The vote could expose the EU to more than $5.6 billion in retaliation penalties from Indonesia and Malaysia over deforestation-related obligations.
European trailer makers petition for earlier review of emissions rules
CEOs from 30 European trailer manufacturers have signed a declaration urging the EU to bring forward its review of Regulation 2024/1610, arguing that its VECTO-based targets could reduce payload capacity, increase road transport emissions and threaten industry jobs.
Hesai Technology Blacklisted by US over Security Concerns
Hesai Technology, a Shanghai lidar manufacturer, has been blacklisted by the US Defence Department and has expanded partnerships with US firms including Nvidia. Experts have raised cybersecurity and national-security concerns about potential data access and firmware vulnerabilities.
UK Dash Cam Compliance for Fleet Managers (2026)
The guide has summarised UK legal requirements for fleet dash‑cam use, covering data‑protection obligations, signage, audio limits, storage and retention, ICO registration, subject access rights and revisions introduced by the Data (Use and Access) Act 2025.
Proposal to amend EU state aid for cleantech
Manufacturers, investors and associations have urged the European Commission to amend the Clean Industrial Deal State Aid Framework to allow temporary output‑based support for cleantech manufacturing to improve bankability and attract private investment.
CCAM representatives discuss Europe-wide deployment in London
The CCAM States Representatives Group met in London to discuss Europe-wide coordination, regulation, cross-border testing and the shift towards large-scale deployment of connected and automated mobility.