Rear bumper

Scope

These requirements apply to operators of CMVs in interstate commerce.

Regulatory citations

• 49 CFR 393.86 — Rear impact guards and rear end protection

Key definitions

• Commercial motor vehicle (CMV): A self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway, in interstate commerce, that meets any one of the following criteria:
  • 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 which requires placarding.

Summary of requirements

Trailers and semitrailers manufactured on or after January 26, 1998, with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,000 pounds or more, must be equipped with a rear impact guard that meets the requirements of 49 CFR 571.223 in effect at the time of the vehicle’s manufacture.

When the rear impact guard is installed on the trailer or semitrailer, the vehicle must, at a minimum, meet the requirements of 49 CFR 571.224 in effect at the time the vehicle was manufactured.

Other vehicles and trailers manufactured between December 31, 1952, and January 26, 1998, with a ground clearance of more than 30 inches must be equipped with a bumper that meets the following criteria:

• Ground clearance shall not exceed 30 inches when the vehicle is empty;
• Located not more than 24 inches forward of the extreme rear of the vehicle;
• Must be sufficiently wide so that the guard’s ends are not more than 18 inches inboard from either side;
• Must be substantially constructed and attached with bolts, welding, or other comparable means.

Exceptions. The requirements for trailers and semitrailers manufactured on or after January 26, 1998, do not apply to:

• Pole trailers,
• Pulpwood trailers,
• Low chassis vehicles,
• Special purpose vehicles,
• Wheels back vehicles,
• Road construction controlled horizontal discharge trailers, and
• Trailers towed in driveaway-towaway operations.

The requirements for vehicles manufactured after December 31, 1952 (except trailers or semitrailers manufactured on or after January 26, 1998), do not apply to:

• Truck tractors,
• Pole trailers,
• Pulpwood trailers,
• Road construction controlled horizontal discharge trailers, and
• Vehicles engaged in driveaway-towaway operations.