WASHINGTON — Changes to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s (FMCSA) DataQs program will improve turnaround times for truckers awaiting safety record corrections, according to an April 15 statement released by FMCSA.
With the updated program, states must now meet strict deadlines and follow a three-step independent review process when handling requests to fix data on crashes, inspections and violations.
FMCSA’s DataQs system allows motor carriers, commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers and other stakeholders to request a review of federal and state data they believe is incomplete or incorrect.
In 2024, FMCSA’s DataQ system processed more than 71,000 requests, including at least 8,300 queries related to crash data.
“Accurate data keeps our roads safe. America’s hardworking truck drivers deserve a system that treats them fairly. These updates guarantee due process by ensuring drivers who challenge an inspection or crash record receive an independent, unbiased and completed review in a timely manner,” said FMCSA Administrator Derek Barrs.
FMCSA says the revised requirements establish a more streamlined framework for handling Requests for Data Review (RDRs), specifically for states receiving Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) funding from FMCSA.
Updates to the DataQs system were informed by public feedback to the July 31, 2025 Federal Register notice. For more information about changes to the DataQs program, read the full notice submitted by FMCSA to the Federal Register.
New DataQs Process
- States must designate points of contact for crash and inspection RDRs.
- States are required to review requests submitted within three years of an inspection and within five years of a crash.
- All decisions, especially those where no data correction is made, must include detailed explanations, evidence reviewed and clear next steps in the review process.
- States must participate in FMCSA program reviews and follow established policies, including those related to adjudicated citations.
Three-stage review process
States must implement a three-stage independent review process that includes:
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Initial review: This ensures decisions are not made solely by the issuing officer when denying a correction. This review must be completed within 21 days.
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Reconsideration: This step must be conducted by independent subject matter experts who were not involved in the initial decision. This must also be completed within 21 days.
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Final review: The final review must be completed by a senior decision-maker or independent panel, ensuring an unbiased final determination. Final reviews must be completed within 45 days.
In addition, FMCSA requires state MCSAP lead agencies to submit DataQs Implementation Plans detailing how they will meet the new requirements, address backlogs and prevent future delays. All approved plans will be publicly available through the DataQs system.
OOIDA applauds the move
Shortly after FMCSA’s announcement, the Todd Spencer, president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) issued the following statement.
“For years, we’ve highlighted the frustrating lack of due process, which routinely made it impossible for owner-operators and professional drivers to correct clearly inaccurate safety data,” Spencer said. “Unlike larger fleets, a singular erroneous violation can have devastating consequences for a small trucking company, which is why we pushed so forcefully for these changes.
“By requiring an independent review process, adding clear timelines and providing greater transparency, FMCSA has made the improvements that OOIDA pushed for and that truckers deserved all along,” Spencer continued. “We appreciate FMCSA’s work on these DataQ updates and believe the new system will be one our members can finally trust.”
Linda Garner-Bunch has been with The Trucker since 2020, picking up the reins as managing editor in 2022. Linda has nearly 40 years of experience in the publishing industry, covering topics from the trucking and automotive industry to employment, real estate, home decor, crafts, cooking, weddings, high school sports — you name it, she’s written about it. She is also an experienced photographer, designer and copy editor who has a heartfelt love for the trucking industry, from the driver’s seat to the C-suite.
