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The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) require that commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) be equipped with compliant and safe rear impact guards (rear bumpers).
These requirements apply to operators of CMVs in interstate commerce.
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:
Exceptions. The requirements for trailers and semitrailers manufactured on or after January 26, 1998, do not apply to:
The requirements for vehicles manufactured after December 31, 1952 (except trailers or semitrailers manufactured on or after January 26, 1998), do not apply to: