DOJ Makes Grants Available to States to Develop NMVTIS 
The Department of Justice’s Bureau of Justice Assistance announced the availability of grants for states to develop the National Motor Vehicle Title Information System (NMVTIS). Mandated under the Anti-Car Theft Act of 1992, NMVTIS was designed to allow the titling agency to instantly and reliably verify the information on the paper title with the electronic data from the state that issued the title. In addition, the system provides law enforcement with a tool to assist in reducing auto theft and vehicle title-related crimes. Where implemented, NMVTIS has already produced results, including time and cost savings, reductions in consumer wait time, decreases in motor vehicle thefts, improved recovery rate of stolen vehicles, increased ability to identify cloned vehicles prior to title issuance and improved investigative abilities. The goal of this grant initiative is to increase the number of states currently providing data to NMVTIS and to assist states that are currently moving toward a fully online connectivity where data is shared real-time and instant title checks occur before a title is issued.
The closing date for applications is Jan. 10, 2008. Full information on the grant solicitation is available on
the grant resource page.
New Technology Allows Passports to be Scanned from 20 Feet Away
State Department officials have decided to offer passport cards for travel between the United States, Mexico, Canada and the Caribbean that U.S. border guards can access from 20 feet away while travelers wait in line. The decision to use “vicinity read” radio frequency identification technology, which lets border guards access the unique identifying number stored in the passport cards while travelers are waiting in line to cross the border, has drawn criticism from privacy advocates who say the technology is less secure than the technology contained in U.S. e-passports. State and Homeland Security Department officials insist that the unique identifying number that is transmitted from the passport card to the Customs and Border Protection (CBP) agent is of use only to an official with access to the database where the traveler’s data is stored. According to CBP, the technology to be used in the passport card has been used successfully in trusted-traveler programs since 1995. The new passport cards are designed to satisfy legislation that requires DHS and State to develop a plan to ensure everyone entering the United States is documented and create a U.S. passport card to facilitate travel between the U.S., Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. Officials hope the passport cards will be in use this spring. The new rule takes effect Feb. 1.
New Document Requirements to Begin Jan. 31, 2008
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the U.S. Department of State (DOS) remind the traveling public that as of Jan. 31, 2008, all adult travelers will be required to present proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate, and proof of identity, such as a driver’s license, when entering the United States through land and sea ports of entry. DHS will be issuing a notice in the
Federal Register formally announcing the change. This change is a necessary step to prepare travelers and ease the transition to the future requirements of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). WHTI proposes to establish documentation requirements for travelers entering the United States who were previously exempt, including citizens of the U.S., Canada, and Bermuda. As recommended by the 9/11 Commission, Congress enacted WHTI in the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004. WHTI will result in both enhanced security and increased facilitation across the border once implemented. During this transition, DHS and the Department of State are working diligently to minimize the impact on legitimate trade and travel. DOS reminds the public that the current turnaround time for a passport is four to six weeks, so Americans planning international travel may wish to apply now. For information on obtaining a U.S. Passport visit
www.travel.state.gov or call (877) 487-2778. Specific documentation requirements for land, sea and air travel may be found on the
Customs and Border Protection Web site.
UCR Board of Directors Meeting Scheduled
The Unified Carrier Registration Plan (UCR) Board of Directors has scheduled its next meeting for Jan. 14 from 1:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m., and Jan. 15 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. This meeting will take place at the Belleview Biltmore, 25 Belleview Boulevard, Clearwater, Florida 33756. The UCR board will continue its work in developing and implementing the Unified Carrier Registration Plan and Agreement and to that end, may consider matters properly before the Board. For further information, contact Avelino Gutierrez, Chair, Unified Carrier Registration Board of Directors at (505) 827-4565.
Final Rule on Card Format Passport, Changes to Fee Schedule
This rule finalizes the proposed rule published on Oct. 17, 2006, and implements certain provisions of Section 7209 of the Intelligence Reform and Terrorism Prevention Act of 2004 (IRTPA). The IRTPA provides that United States citizens and nonimmigrant aliens may enter the United States only with passports or such alternative documents as the Secretary of Homeland Security may designate as satisfactorily establishing identity and citizenship. The statute requires that the Secretary of Homeland Security, in consultation with the Secretary of State, develop and implement a plan to require virtually all travelers entering the United States to present a passport or other document or combination of documents that are deemed by the Secretary of Homeland Security to be sufficient to denote identity and citizenship. The legislation also requires that the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and the Department of State seek to facilitate the frequent travel of those living in border communities. This final rule takes into account the amendment to section 7209 by the 2007 Department of Homeland Security Appropriations Act calling for the availability of a passport card for land and sea travel between the United States and Canada, Mexico, the Caribbean and Bermuda. The Administration’s proposal to address the remainder of the legislative requirements in section 7209, called the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI), is being addressed in separate rulemakings. This rule is effective Feb. 1, 2008.
FMCSA ICR for Transportation of Hazardous Materials, Highway Routing
In accordance with the Paperwork Reduction Act of 1995, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announces its plan to submit the Information Collection Request (ICR) to the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for review and approval. The FMCSA requests approval to extend an existing information collection entitled “Transportation of Hazardous Materials, Highway Routing,” which requires states and Indian tribes to identify designated/restricted routes and restrictions or limitations affecting how motor carriers may transport certain hazardous materials on the highway. On Oct. 30, 2007, FMCSA published a
Federal Register notice allowing for a 60-day comment period on the ICR. No comments were received. Please send your comments by Feb. 4, 2008. OMB must receive your comments by this date in order to act quickly on the ICR. For more information, view the
Jan. 3 Federal Register notice.
TSA Requests Comments on Security Threat Assessment for HME Applicants
The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) invites public comment on one currently-approved information collection requirement under Office of Management and Budget (OMB) control number 1652-0027, that they will submit to the OMB for renewal in compliance with the Paperwork Reduction Act. The collection involves applicant submission of biometric and biographic information for TSA’s security threat assessment in order to obtain the hazardous materials endorsement (HME) on a commercial driver's license (CDL) issued by the U.S. States and the District of Columbia. Comments are due by Feb. 26, 2008.
View the Federal Register notice for more details.
NHTSA Seeks Comments on Odometer Statement
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) intends to seek approval from the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) for the Federal Odometer Law. The Odometer Law, 49 U.S.C. Chapter 327, and implementing regulations, 49 CFR Part 580, require each transferor of a motor vehicle to provide the transferee with a written disclosure of the vehicle’s mileage. This disclosure is to be made on the vehicle’s title, or in the case of a vehicle that has never been titled, on a separate form. If the title is lost or is held by a lien holder, and where permitted by state law, the disclosure can be made on a state-issued, secure power of attorney. Jurisdictions may wish to use this opportunity to comment regarding aspects of the federal odometer disclosure requirements which they believe could be improved, deleted, or added. Comments must be received on or before Feb. 26, 2008. View the
Federal Register notice for more details.
NPRM on Minimum Training Requirements for Entry-Level CMV Operators
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) proposes to revise the standards for mandatory training requirements for entry-level operators of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate operations who are required to possess a commercial driver’s license (CDL). The proposed rule would not apply to drivers who currently possess a CDL or obtain a CDL before a date three years after a final rule goes into effect. Following that date, persons applying for new or upgraded CDLs would be required to successfully complete specified minimum classroom and behind-the-wheel training from an accredited institution or program. The state driver licensing agency would only issue a CDL if the applicant presented a valid Driver Training Certificate obtained from an accredited institution or program. This Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) would strengthen the Agency’s entry-level driver training requirements as a means to enhance the safety of CMV operations on our Nation’s highways. Comments must be received on or before March 25, 2008. View the
Federal Register notice for more details. A
press release is also available on the FMCSA Web site. Please send a copy of your comments to
Kevin Lewis, Vice President, Driver Programs, or to
Pamela Walker, Senior Director, Federal Government Affairs.
New Rules on Highway Sign Retroreflectivity Issued
In a continued effort to reduce roadway fatalities, Federal Highway Administrator J. Richard Capka announced on Dec. 27, 2007 a new rule to make signs more visible. The new rule (effective Jan. 22, 2008) requires states to use higher performing reflective materials on all highway signs. The new rule also requires public agencies to adopt sign maintenance methods to ensure highway signs can be read from greater distances. The new requirements are included in the 2nd Edition of the 2003 Manual of Traffic Control Devices. For more information on the new requirements, visit
www.fhwa.dot.gov/retro.
FMCSA Medical Review Board Meeting Scheduled
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) will hold a public meeting of the Agency’s Medical Review Board (MRB) on Jan. 28, 2008 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm in Salt Lake City, Utah. The MRB public meeting will provide the public an opportunity to observe and participate in MRB deliberations about the revision and development of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation (FMCSR) medical standards, in accordance with the Federal Advisory Committee Act (FACA).
View the Federal Register notice for a preliminary agenda and for details on how to submit comments.
Homeland Security Advisory Council Meeting Scheduled
The Homeland Security Advisory Council (HSAC) will meet Thursday, Jan. 10 for purposes of reviewing recommendations from the Administration Transition Task Force and HSAC subgroups. In addition, the HSAC will receive briefings from Secretary Michael Chertoff and other Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials. The meeting will be partially closed. The open session will run from 10:55 am to 12:30 pm. The closed portions of the meeting will be held in the Seminar Room, from 8:30 am to 10:55 am, and from 12:30 pm to 3:30 pm. The open portion of the meeting will be held at the U.S. Secret Service building located at 950 H Street, NW., Washington, DC, in the William P. Wood Conference Center.
Update on Cross Border Demo Project
In accordance with the 2008 omnibus appropriations act, the U.S. Department of Transportation will not establish any new demonstration programs with Mexico. The current cross-border trucking demonstration project, established in September 2007, will continue to operate in a manner that puts safety first, with participating Mexican carriers subject to all safety standards required by the 2008 omnibus bill, while giving U.S. trucking companies new opportunities and U.S. consumers significant savings. For more information on the current Cross Border Demo Project, visit
www.fmcsa.dot.gov/cross-border/cross-border.htm.
FMCSA Safety Progress Report Now Available
The latest (September 2007) Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
Safety Progress Report is now available from the
Facts, Research and Technology page of the FMCSA Web site.
NHTSA Requests Comments on Consolidated Labeling Requirements
The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) asks for public comments on Consolidated Labeling Requirements for 49 CFR 541, 565 and 567. For details, view the
Dec. 28, 2007 Federal Register notice. Comments must be received on or before Feb. 26, 2008.
Proposed Amendments to Standards for Traffic Control Devices
The Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD, also referred to as “the Manual”) is incorporated by regulations, approved by the Federal Highway Administration, and recognized as the national standard for traffic control devices used on all public roads. The purpose of this notice of proposed amendments is to revise standards, guidance, options, and supporting information relating to the traffic control devices in all parts of the MUTCD. The proposed changes are intended to expedite traffic, promote uniformity, improve safety, and incorporate technology advances in traffic control device application. These proposed changes are being designated as the next edition of the MUTCD. Comments must be received on or before July 31, 2008. Find more information in the
Federal Register notice.
AAMVA Fall Workshop 2007 – A Huge Success!
Evidenced by a 30 percent increase in attendance from the previous year, the 2007 AAMVA Fall Workshop was a great success. With the theme, “Bridging the Gap to Highway Safety, the Workshop offered supervisors and managers within the AAMVA community the opportunity to learn trends, enhance skills and to create or build their peer networks. While the AAMVA Annual International Conference (AIC), held each August, is engineered for administrators and executives, the AAMVA Fall Workshop is geared for management/supervisor levels and is designed to be an interactive, roll-up-your-sleeves, problem-solving event.
View a review of the Fall Workshop online today.
Important Deadlines Related to CDLIS 4.1.0 Implementation
As a reminder to all users of the Commercial Driver's License Information System (CDLIS) application, new data introduced to CDLIS on or after Jan. 1, 2008 must adhere to CDLIS 4.1.0 specification requirements. Each jurisdiction must ensure all information it sends outbound with a citation effective date or withdrawal effective date of Jan. 1, 2008 and later be valid. Beginning Feb. 17, 2008, AAMVA will be supplying many of the necessary data validation checks on behalf of the jurisdictions in production. The AAMVA-provided validations will be made available to jurisdictions for testing purposes beginning Jan. 21, 2008. If interested in conducting casual testing with AAMVA, contact the AAMVA Help Desk at
helpdesk@aamva.org to schedule your testing. In support of providing the necessary data validation checks, AAMVA has provided jurisdictions with the choice of two notification approaches, when acting as the State of Inquiry. A detailed description of each option will be distributed to jurisdictions via e-mail. Jurisdictions must provide their choice of notification approach to AAMVA no later than Jan. 21, 2008. Please direct any questions or concerns to the attention of Nancy Carlson
via e-mail or at (703) 908-2818.
My AAMVA ... Want to Know More?
Learn more about
My AAMVA and how you can log in or register on the AAMVA Web site!
My AAMVA gives you access to your contact information in the AAMVA membership system and allows you to update your preferences.
My AAMVA also allows you to determine what you would like to see printed in the members-only online directory ... coming in February 2008! Need help registering or navigating the page? Checkout the
online tutorials!
Would You Like to Go to Harvard?
AAMVA is now accepting applications for its
AAMVA/Nick Denice Memorial Fellowship Awards at the John F. Kennedy School of Government's Senior Executives in State and Local Government Program at Harvard University. This award is open to AAMVA members who are chief motor vehicle and law enforcement officials from the United States and Canada; AAMVA or IRP, Inc. Board of Directors members and AAMVA International Standing Committee Chairs and Vice Chairs.
Read about the experience of last year's recipient, Col. Jeffrey Miller, Pennsylvania. Don't miss the application deadline of
Feb. 7, 2008.
AAMVAnet Experiences Technical Difficulties
Earlier today, Monday, Jan. 7, 2008, AAMVAnet™ technical support experienced system problems that impacted the flow of information across the AAMVAnet™ network and began communicating and working with its members and vendors to correct the issue. Since this discovery, AAMVA staff have been working non-stop with its vendors and its member agencies to remedy the issue. AAMVA pledges to continue exploring all possible solutions until this matter is resolved. AAMVA apologizes for any inconvenience this has caused you in helping your customers transact their DMV business.
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"We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day."
--Edith Lovejoy Pierce