History of South Dakota FMCSA

(Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)

In 1935, Congress passed the Motor Carrier Act.  In 1966 the Department of Transportation Act was passed and moved the Motor Carrier Safety Regulations from the ICC (Interstate Commerce Commission) to the newly established Federal Highway Administration.  We were called the BMC (Bureau of Motor Carriers).  In 1986, the Commercial Motor Vehicle Safety Act was passed for Motor Carriers and we were renamed the OMC (Office of Motor Carriers).  In 1990, another Act was passed and we became the OMCS (Office of Motor Carrier Safety).  In 2000, we became the Motor Carrier & Highway Safety, but didn't last long because by January 2001 we officially separated from the FHWA (Federal Highway Administration) and became the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration).  The division titles have changed from Officer-In-Charge to State Director to Division Administrator.

 Our mission is to ensure the public that there are safe drivers and safe vehicles out there in our public roads.  To do this, we regulate the Hours of Services, Vehicle Inspection, HM, and Drug & Alcohol Rules.

 The South Dakota Division Office has an annual Chili Cook-Off Contest each year in January to celebrate our new administration.  This annual event allows various State and Federal partners to gather to have lunch, strengthen ties, and engage in some "friendly" competition.  The contest entrants include the FHWA, SD Dept of Transportation/ Research/ Accident Records/ CDL/ Highway Patrol/ Revenue and Bureau of Information & Telecommunications.