What is the FMCSA Clearinghouse for?
The FMCSA established the Clearinghouse rule to require mandatory use of the Clearinghouse for employers to report and collect information about a driver’s drug and alcohol history and violations. The Clearinghouse will contain violations per the FMCSA regulations, including any positive drug or alcohol test results and test refusals. The database provides real-time access, helping employers identify drivers who aren’t legally permitted to operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV), thus further protecting their company by filtering out employees who could pose a dangerous risk.
Who needs to get a permit for the Spotted Lanternfly?
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, permits are required for all businesses and organizations who will be moving within or from the quarantine zone while working. More details and examples can be found on the Agriculture main website: Spotted Lanternfly Information on the DPA website...
Do I need to run a CDLIS or worry about FMSCA regulations if my drivers only have Class B CDL's and do not go out of state?
If drivers are required to have a Class B CDL in order to operate vehicles, then the FMCSA Regulations in Part 382 and Part 383 will apply to your operations. Other areas of the regulations, such as Part 391 or Part 395, may apply to the motor carrier even if they don’t leave the state. Those sections apply to motor carriers operating in interstate commerce, which cannot be determined based solely on never leaving a given state. Interstate commerce is an activity that might occur without a truck ever leaving a single city. We advise that you contact the FMCSA for assistance in determining the applicability of the regulations.
What is the fine/penalty structure for non-compliance to the lanternfly permits?
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture, a citation matrix is in the making. The Pennsylvania SLF Quarantine Order states the following for those who are not in compliance with the required permit:
Criminal citation up to $300 per violation.
Civil penalty up to $20,000 per violation.
Revocation of permit or compliance agreement if PDA determines the holder has not complied.
For more information, you can view the Quarantine Order