• “Pipeline welding trucks” are exempt from many federal regulations related to CMVs, including the requirements related to the HOS of drivers, such as maximum driving and on-duty time.

There is a broad exemption from many parts of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations for the operation of a “pipeline welding truck.” (390.38)

Definition of “pipeline welding truck”: A pick-up style motor vehicle that:

• Is owned by a welder;
• Is equipped with a welding rig used in the construction or maintenance of pipelines; and
• Has a gross vehicle weight rating, gross combination weight rating, and actual weight of 15,000 pounds or less. (390.38(b)).

The operator of a pipeline welding truck, including the driver and employer, are exempt from:

• Motor carrier registration requirements, including the requirement to obtain and display a Department of Transportation (DOT) number, in parts 365 and 390;
• Any requirement relating to driver qualifications in Part 391;
• Any requirement relating to driving of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in Part 392;
• Any requirement relating to parts and accessories and inspection, repair, and maintenance of CMVs in parts 393 and 396; and
• Any requirement relating to hours of service of drivers, including maximum driving and on-duty time, found in Part 395.