FMCSA Renews Accident Recordkeeping Requirements for Motor Carriers

What Changed

FMCSA has announced the renewal of its Information Collection Request (ICR) titled Accident Recordkeeping Requirements. The ICR is being resubmitted to the Office of Management and Budget for approval under the Paperwork Reduction Act. No new reporting obligations are added; the core requirement remains that carriers keep a record of accidents involving their commercial motor vehicles.

Who It Affects

The renewal applies to all motor carriers that operate commercial motor vehicles. The requirement is to maintain accident records, but carriers are not required to submit those records to FMCSA on a regular basis. Instead, they must produce the records when requested by authorized federal, state or local officials.

What Carriers Should Do

Carriers should verify that their internal recordkeeping systems capture all accidents involving their fleet. They should review the ICR text to confirm the data fields required and ensure that records are stored in a retrievable format. Carriers should also note the comment period ends on November 9, 2026, and can submit feedback if they believe the requirements are burdensome or unclear.

Interpretation: The renewal does not change the existing recordkeeping obligation, but it reaffirms FMCSA’s intent to keep the requirement in place. Carriers should treat the ICR as a reminder to keep accurate logs and be prepared for official inquiries.

Uncertainties and Next Steps

It remains unclear whether OMB will approve the renewal without modifications or if FMCSA will adjust the ICR after the comment period. Carriers should monitor FMCSA announcements for any changes. Until a final approval is issued, carriers should continue to comply with the current recordkeeping standard.