DataQs

Scope

Motor Carriers can use DataQs to file concerns about information displayed on their records, such as inspection and crash data available from FMCSA. Drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) can file concerns about Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) reports or information reported to the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse as well as to monitor the status of a current Request for Data Review (RDR).

Regulatory citations

• None

Key definitions

• Accident: An occurrence involving a commercial motor vehicle on a highway in interstate or intrastate commerce that results in:
  • A fatality,
  • Injury to a person requiring immediate treatment away from the scene of the accident, or
  • Disabling damage to a vehicle requiring it to be towed from the scene.
  The term “accident” does NOT include any occurrence which involves only:
  • Boarding or exiting from a stationary vehicle, or
  • The loading or unloading of a vehicle’s cargo.
• Commercial motor vehicle (CMV): A self-propelled or towed vehicle used on a highway to transport property or passengers when the vehicle:
  • Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR), or gross vehicle weight (GVW) or gross combination weight (GCW), of 10,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater; or
  • Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation; or
  • Is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver), and not used to transport passengers for compensation; or
  • Is transporting hazardous materials of a type or quantity that requires placarding.
• Driver: Any person who operates any commercial motor vehicle.
• Motor carrier: A for-hire motor carrier or a private motor carrier. The term includes a motor carrier’s agents, officers and representatives as well as employees responsible for hiring, supervising, training, assigning, or dispatching of drivers and employees concerned with the installation, inspection, and maintenance of motor vehicle equipment and/or accessories. This definition includes the terms employer and exempt motor carrier.
• Roadside inspections: Examinations that a certified Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program (MCSAP) inspector (usually state or local law enforcement personnel) conducts on individual CMVs and drivers to determine if they are in compliance with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations and/or Hazardous Materials Regulations.

Summary of requirements

All changes to data must be made at the source, i.e., the agency that entered the data, so all DataQs requests are forwarded to the appropriate agency. The decision of that agency is final, and the FMCSA is not authorized to override that agency's decision.

A motor carrier, driver, or other stakeholder can register for DataQs via the FMCSA Portal or through the DataQs system directly. Requests for data corrections require simple forms to be filled in with information from the relevant report, such as the report number, date, and time of event, state, and an explanation for why the data should be changed.

To be successful, requests for data correction should include documentation to support the request, and such documentation can be submitted directly through the DataQs system. All information is routed to the organization responsible for the data. Electronic correspondence is used to communicate with the requestor when additional information is needed. DataQs is open to the public and the website provides an online help function to walk users through the process.

The following are some FMCSA tips for using DataQs:

• Attach document(s) that support the request.
• Be specific and detailed in your narrative.
• Any owner-operator with a valid lease agreement submitting a DataQs request should include the lease agreement.
• Ensure contact information is accurate and updated.
• Check the status frequently, as additional information may be requested.

Note: A carrier can modify its registration information (e.g., name, address, or power-unit data) by updating its U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) registration form. DataQs should not be used for such requests.

DataQs may be accessed via the FMCSA website.