WASHINGTON, D.C. — The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced updates to its DataQs program on April 15, 2026, imposing strict deadlines and a three-step independent review process on states to speed up safety record corrections for truck drivers. The changes are part of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy’s Pro-Trucker Package, a group of initiatives aimed at improving working conditions for American truck drivers.
The DataQs system allows motor carriers, commercial vehicle drivers, and other stakeholders to request a review of federal and state data they believe is incomplete or incorrect. In 2024, the system processed more than 71,000 requests, including at least 8,300 related to crash data.
What’s Changing
The updates establish a streamlined framework for handling Requests for Data Review for states receiving Motor Carrier Safety Assistance Program funding from FMCSA. States must now designate points of contact for crash and inspection reviews, review requests submitted within three years of an inspection and five years of a crash, and provide detailed explanations — including evidence reviewed and clear next steps — for all decisions, especially those where no correction is made.
Three-Stage Review Process
States must implement the following independent review structure:
- Initial Review — Ensures the issuing officer alone cannot deny a correction request
- Reconsideration — Conducted by independent subject matter experts not involved in the initial decision
- Final Review — Completed by a senior decision-maker or independent panel for an unbiased final determination
Timeline Requirements
• Initial reviews must be completed within 21 days
• Reconsideration decisions must be issued within 21 days
• Final reviews must be completed within 45 days
• State MCSAP Lead Agencies must submit DataQs Implementation Plans detailing how they will meet the new requirements, address backlogs, and prevent future delays. All approved plans will be publicly available through the DataQs system.
“Accurate data keeps our roads safe. America’s hardworking truck drivers deserve a system that treats them fairly. These updates guarantee due process by ensuring drivers who challenge an inspection or crash record receive an independent, unbiased, and completed review in a timely manner,” said FMCSA Administrator Derek D. Barrs.
The updates were informed by public feedback to a Federal Register notice published July 31, 2025.
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