Motor Carrier Transportation Division (MCTD) is closing its Registration Offices at three Ports of Entry and replacing person-to-person over-the-counter service with the installation of phones and fax machines that truck drivers can use at least from 8:00 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays to connect with MCTD Headquarters in Salem for registration and over-dimension permit service.

PrePass is making interoperability a snap by allowing commercial vehicle operators enrolling in the PrePass weigh station safety system to have the option of receiving a transponder they can enroll in all truck screening programs in which they qualiify.

A free app designed for the iPhone and iPad lets bus riders check the safety records of nearly 6,000 interstate passenger carriers, including private motorcoach, school bus, and tour bus companies. "As college students, families and tour groups start thinking about spring and summer travel, we encourage everyone to use the SaferBus app to look before you book your next bus trip," said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood.

The FMCSA has been keeping everyone on the edge of their seats waiting for an outcome to its driver hours-of-service rulemaking. But just before the end of the year the agency issued its final rule and announced that it would not change the daily driving limit or the weekly on-duty hours limits either. But beginning July 1, 2013, it is making a change to the restart provision and it's adding a new provision related to 30-minute breaks.

Oregon DMV now requires commercial truck and bus drivers to submit a photocopy of their medical certificate to continue holding a CDL. The new requirement is part of federal safety regulations aimed at making sure CDL holders are medically fit. Some drivers will meet this requirement sooner than others, but by January 30, 2014, everyone will need to submit a copy of their valid medical card to DMV.