Recent Department of Transportation regulations affecting small businesses
Page 13 of 17 • Last updated April 16, 2026
252 Department of Transportation regulations have been published in the past 30 days, covering rule changes, notices, and final actions affecting small businesses.
- Special Conditions: Honeywell International Inc., Boeing Model 757-200, 757-200PF, 757-200CB, and 757-300 Airplanes; Non-Rechargeable Lithium Batteries and Battery System InstallationApril 16, 2026
Special conditions establish safety standards for non-rechargeable lithium battery installations in underwater locator beacons on Boeing 757-series airplanes modified by Honeywell International Inc.
- Hazardous Materials: Notice of Applications for Modification to Special PermitsApril 15, 2026
Department of Transportation's Office of Hazardous Materials Safety received an application for modification to a special permit under hazardous materials regulations.
- Airworthiness Directives; Airbus HelicoptersApril 15, 2026
FAA proposes airworthiness directive requiring additional safety labels on sliding door emergency exits for specified Airbus helicopter models including AS350 and AS355 series.
- Airworthiness Directives; Airbus SAS AirplanesApril 15, 2026
FAA proposes airworthiness directive requiring repetitive inspections and corrective actions for fastener holes in Airbus A321-251NX through -272NX aircraft to address manufacturing process deviations.
- Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Application for Exemption From Aurora Operations, Inc.April 15, 2026
FMCSA seeks public comment on Aurora Operations' request for a five-year exemption allowing Level 4 automated commercial vehicles to use cab-mounted warning beacons instead of reflective triangles when stopped.
- IFR Altitudes; Miscellaneous AmendmentsApril 15, 2026
This IFR amendment updates minimum and maximum en route altitudes and changeover points on Federal airways and jet routes to reflect National Airspace System changes and ensure safe instrument flight operations.
- Hazardous Materials: Notice of Applications for New Special PermitsApril 15, 2026
The Department of Transportation's Office of Hazardous Materials Safety has received special permit applications subject to standard regulatory procedures for hazardous materials transportation.
- Hazardous Materials: Notice of Actions on Special PermitsApril 15, 2026 • Impact: low
The Department of Transportation's Office of Hazardous Materials Safety has processed special permit applications under hazardous material regulations and issued grant or denial decisions.
- Airworthiness Directives; Airbus HelicoptersApril 14, 2026
FAA supersedes Airworthiness Directive 2025-05-09 for Airbus Helicopters Model SA330J by requiring revised airworthiness limitations sections in maintenance manuals and approved inspection programs to address unsafe conditions.
- Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; HearingApril 14, 2026
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration exempts 12 deaf and hard of hearing individuals from hearing requirements to operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce.
- Qualification of Drivers; Exemption Applications; HearingApril 14, 2026
FMCSA renews hearing exemptions for 13 hard-of-hearing and deaf interstate commercial motor vehicle drivers under Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations.
- Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V PIPE DREAMApril 14, 2026
MARAD is soliciting public comments on a request to use the foreign-built passenger vessel M/V PIPE DREAM in U.S. coastwise trade to assess potential adverse effects on domestic vessel builders and U.S.-built vessel operators.
- Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, S/V THE SALTY LADYApril 14, 2026
MARAD solicits public comments on a request to operate the foreign-built small passenger vessel S/V The Salty Lady in U.S. coastwise trade, evaluating potential impacts on domestic vessel builders and U.S. coastwise operators.
- Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V BANSHOApril 14, 2026
MARAD seeks public comment on a request to operate the foreign-built passenger vessel M/V BANSHO in U.S. coastwise trade carrying no more than twelve passengers for hire.
- Request Notice: Use of Foreign-Built Small Passenger Vessel in United States Coastwise Trade, M/V CILANTROApril 14, 2026
MARAD is soliciting public comments on a request to operate the foreign-built vessel M/V CILANTRO in U.S. coastwise trade carrying no more than twelve passengers for hire to assess potential adverse effects on U.S. vessel builders and coastwise oper…