DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY
DIVISION OF COLORADO STATE PATROL
MOTOR CARRIER SAFETY

RULES AND REGULATIONS
CONCERNING
MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR THE OPERATION
OF COMMERCIAL VEHICLES

STATEMENT OF BASIS, STATUTORY AUTHORITY, AND PURPOSE

Pursuant to section 42-4-235(4), C.R.S., the Executive Director of the Colorado Department of Public Safety has the authority to promulgate rules and regulations for the operation of commercial vehicles within the State of Colorado.

The Department of Public Safety recognizes that the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has implemented significant changes to the Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.  In order to remain consistent with Federal regulations, the October 1, 2006 edition of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations will be adopted with general, State specific variances.  The significant regulation changes include; Hours of service; Protection against shifting and falling cargo; and New entrant safety assurance program.  In addition, the hours of service regulations pertaining to farmers and ranchers, or farming operations will be adopted as written in the October version of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.  The Department of Public Safety will be able to grant variances to the regulations in the interest of public safety.  

It was declared by the General Assembly that the routing of motor vehicles transporting hazardous materials is a matter of statewide concern.  The absence of implementing rules to carry out the purpose of the statutes would be contrary to the public health, peace, safety and welfare of the state.  For these reasons, it is imperatively necessary that the proposed amendments to the rules be adopted.

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Peter A. Weir, Executive Director                                     Date of Adoption