A bill to exempt stinger-steered combinations from a requirement to include warning flags on projecting loads.

Summary of Bill: S. 4669 (119th Congress)

Purpose and Intent

• The bill aims to exempt certain stinger-steered automobile combinations from the current requirement to display warning flags on projecting loads.
• Specifically, it addresses stinger-steered combinations engaged in transporting assembled highway vehicles.

Key Provisions and Changes

• Exemption from Warning Flags Requirement (General Rule): Beginning on enactment, section 393.87 of Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) shall not apply to stinger-steered combinations transporting assembled highway vehicles. This means these particular configurations would not be subject to the flagging requirement for projecting loads.
• Formal Revision by Secretary of Transportation:
  • The Secretary of Transportation is instructed to revise 49 CFR 393.87 to implement the exemption for stinger-steered combinations transporting assembled highway vehicles.
  • The revision should occur as soon as practicable after enactment.
• Rulemaking Process: The act allows the Secretary of Transportation to implement the revision and exemption without engaging in notice-and-comment or any other formal rulemaking process.

Who/What Is Affected

• Affected Entities: Operators of stinger-steered combinations (as defined by 23 CFR 658.5 or successor regulations) involved in transporting assembled highway vehicles.
• Scope of Exemption: The exemption applies specifically to the requirement to place warning flags on projecting loads, as currently mandated in 49 CFR 393.87.

Procedural and Timeline Aspects

• Effective Date: The exemption takes effect on the date of enactment of the bill.
• Regulatory Revision Timeline: The Secretary of Transportation is required to revise 49 CFR 393.87 to reflect the exemption as soon as practicable after enactment.
• Rulemaking Process: The act explicitly states that the Secretary shall implement the exemption without conducting notice-and-comment or other formal rulemaking, effectively expediting the change.

Practical Implications

• Operators of eligible stinger-steered combinations hauling assembled highway vehicles would no longer need to comply with the warning flag requirement for projecting loads.
• The change could reduce administrative burden and compliance costs for affected carriers.
• It may impact safety communications regarding projecting loads for these specific vehicle configurations; agencies would need to ensure alternative safety practices are considered, though the bill does not mandate new safety measures.

Legislative Status

• Introduced in the Senate on June 3, 2026, by Senators Fischer (and Peters as a co-sponsor).
• Referred to the Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation.
• Includes co-sponsorship from Deb Fischer and Gary Peters.