Washington, D.C. — Congressional leaders added 40 House co‑sponsors to the DRIVE Act on March 19, a bill that would bar the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration from imposing speed‑limiting devices on most commercial trucks.

The FMCSA has been drafting a rule that could cap truck speeds between 60 and 70 mph. Trucking professionals argue that a universal limit would create dangerous speed differentials, reduce maneuverability in emergencies, and spark road‑rage incidents. For owner‑operators and OTR truck drivers, the prospect of a federally mandated ceiling threatens both efficiency and earnings.

Rep. David Valadao (R‑Calif.) threw his support behind the DRIVE Act, also known as HR 3039, after Rep. Ryan Zinke (R‑Mont.) and Rep. Diana Harshbarger (R‑Tenn.) joined as co‑sponsors earlier this month. The bill, first introduced by Rep. Josh Brecheen (R‑Okla.) in May 2023, now counts 40 House supporters and 10 Senate allies, including Sen. Steve Daines (R‑Mont.) who filed companion S 2761 in July. FMCSA officials say the agency expects to release a formal proposal in May, but the industry is already mobilizing against it.

What This Means for Drivers

CDL‑A drivers could see route planning shift back to pre‑limit practices, preserving the ability to match traffic flow and avoid bottlenecks. Owner‑operators fear a lower speed cap would extend deadhead miles, cutting profit margins on long hauls. Fleet managers would retain discretion to set speed policies that balance safety with delivery windows, rather than being forced into a one‑size‑fits‑all ceiling. The legislation also reinforces state authority, meaning states like Tennessee can keep a unified 70 mph limit for trucks and cars on interstates such as I‑81.

Industry Reaction

The Owner‑Operator Independent Drivers Association, representing roughly 150,000 members, blasted the FMCSA’s effort as a “significant rise in vehicle interactions” when trucks travel below posted limits. OOIDA quoted agency data showing more rear‑end collisions when trucks are forced to slower speeds. The group urged Congress to act, noting that FMCSA confirmed the next phase of rulemaking is slated for May. Across the aisle, many lawmakers framed the fight as a states‑rights issue, pointing to Tennessee’s recent repeal of split speed limits as evidence that federal overreach would undermine local traffic policies.

Key Points

• 40 House members and 10 Senate members now co‑sponsor the DRIVE Act (HR 3039/S 2761).
• FMCSA plans to issue a formal speed‑limiter proposal in May 2026.
• Proposed speed caps range from 60 mph to 70 mph for most commercial motor vehicles.
• OOIDA warns that lower truck speeds increase rear‑end crashes and erode profitability for owner‑operators.

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