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Below are the first 10 and last 10 pages of uncorrected machine-read text (when available) of this chapter, followed by the top 30 algorithmically extracted key phrases from the chapter as a whole.
Intended to provide our own search engines and external engines with highly rich, chapter-representative searchable text on the opening pages of each chapter.
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OCR for page 7
· Type B highways have lower design standards
than Type A highways, but they are included in
the primary network. Due to their geometric
and structural characteristics, they serve inter-
state transportation. Type B highways can be
designated as B2 (two lanes) or B4 (four lanes).
· Type C highways form the secondary roadway
network. Due to their design characteristics,
they serve medium trip lengths within states,
establishing connections and links with the
primary network.
· Type D highways form the feeder network and
serve traffic within municipalities. They serve
relatively short trip lengths, establishing con-
nections with the secondary network (Type C
Figure 6 T3-S3-S2 LCV used in Mexico. highways).
LCVs are allowed only on ET, A, and B high-
ers. The T3-S3-S2 in Figure 6 operates under a spe- ways, but single trailer combinations with 16.2-m
cial permit to haul steel between Monterrey, Mexico, (53-ft) semitrailers are only allowed on ET high-
and the Port of Brownsville, Texas. Since recent size ways. Weight and size limits depend on the highway
and weight increases in Mexico have focused largely type and the vehicle characteristics.
on LCVs, this digest will cover LCVs in some detail
along with weight and dimensional changes, includ- ASSESSMENT OF MEXICO'S TRUCK SIZE
ing when these changes occurred. AND WEIGHT REGULATIONS
Evolution of Current Size
Mexican Highway Classification
and Weight Limits
Not all commercial vehicles can operate through-
LCVs have been allowed to travel on Mexican
out the Mexican roadway network. The first version
federal highways since 1980, but significant changes
of the RPD included a definition of the Mexican road-
have occurred since then. Many of those changes
way network. This regulation, which was developed
were induced by economic or technical reasons, but
by the SCT, established the following highway clas-
many others were the consequence of pressure from
sifications: ET, A, B, C, and D. A description of each
various groups, including the private-sector shipper
roadway classification follows:
association, ANTP, which benefits from larger and
· ET, or "transportation axis" highways, are the heavier trucks.
highest category of roadways in Mexico. ET Vehicle weights and dimensions in Mexico are
highways are those that have geometric and regulated based on highway classification, vehicle
structural characteristics that can accommodate type, axle configuration, number of wheels per
the operation of vehicles with the maximum axle, and suspension type. NOM-012-SCT-2-2008
dimensions, capacity, and weight. Addition- includes a list of highway segments that have some
ally, the SCT authorizes other general-interest type of exemption. The exemption is usually an
vehicles to operate on ET highways. ET high- upgrade of the highway type to allow heavier or larger
ways can be designated ET2 (two lanes) or ET4 commercial vehicles. Exemptions are granted to
(four lanes). facilitate highway connectivity or provide access to
· Type A highways allow for the operation of all specific industrial or distribution centers.
vehicles authorized with the maximum dimen- There is also a mechanism to obtain a special per-
sions, capacity, and weight except those that by mit to travel on highway segments with a vehicle that
their dimensions and weight are only allowed does not comply with the route's standards. These
on ET highways. Type A highways can be des- permits are granted for LCVs that need to serve dis-
ignated as A2 (two lanes) or A4 (four lanes). tribution or production centers that are inaccessible
7
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with a high-standard road. In these cases, a special by reducing the impact coefficient. This is one rea-
authorization has to be requested from the SCT, and son why the resulting GVW does not comply with
the request must be accompanied with evidence that the bridge formula. Additionally, in order to obtain
there are no alternative routes or that there is no other the extra axle weight allowance, commercial vehi-
vehicle configuration allowed that could economi- cles must comply with the following operating con-
cally travel that route segment. These permits are dition requirements:
valid for 5 years and involve no fee.
· Trucks must not exceed a speed of 80 km/h.
Figure 7 presents a timeline showing when the
· Trucks must travel in the right-hand lane.
most important rules and regulations pertaining to · Lights must be on during the entire trip.
truck size and weight in Mexico became effective. · Trucks must be separated by a 100-m gap.
Table 2 includes a brief description of the regulations
shown in Figure 7. Since 1980, the maximum allow- In order to be able to increase the maximum axle
able GVW and dimensions have changed. Table 3 and weight, the vehicle must meet the minimum require-
Table 4 show some of the most important changes dur- ments shown in Table 7 and drivers must have spe-
ing the last 30 years for GVW and vehicle length, cial training and licensing and maintain a trip log
respectively. with hours of service. Drivers must also carry a pri-
vate contract between the carrier and the shipment
Current Weight Limits owner that specifies that they share responsibility for
complying with the regulations. This contract spec-
Mexican truck weight regulations specify that ifies the truck route, the shipment description, and
commercial vehicles using federal highways must the vehicle gross weight.
comply simultaneously with requirements for max- Although NOM-012-SCT-2-2008 is the current
imum weight per axle and GVW, respectively. regulation, the SCT is not enforcing its provisions at
The maximum GVW is limited by either of the this time since some details are not final. For exam-
following two factors--the sum of the maximum ple, to verify that the vehicle complies with all the
weight per axle or the bridge formula. The bridge requirements included in Table 7, the SCT plans to
formula is as follows: release a new vehicle circulation card that will include
all the necessary information. Due to several delays
in the release of the new circulation cards, there is also
AD × N
MGW = 870 + ( 3.66 × N ) + 11 a delay in enforcement of both the circulation cards
N -1 and the special driver's license. Table 8 summa-
rizes the maximum GVW allowed when the vehicle,
where driver, and carrier comply with all the exception
requirements.
MGW = Maximum gross weight in kilograms
AD = Distance between the centers of the ex- Current Size Limits
treme axles
N = Number of axles NOM-012-SCT-2-2008 also regulates the maxi-
mum vehicle dimensions. As shown in Table 9, the
Vehicle type and roadway determine both the maximum length of 31 m (101.71 ft) has not changed
axle weight limit and the GVW limit. Table 5 and significantly in the latest version of the standard. The
Table 6 present the maximum axle gross weight and maximum width for commercial vehicles is 2.60 m
the maximum GVW, respectively. These maximum (8.5 ft), not including mirrors. The maximum height
weights could be even greater for trucks that travel is 4.25 m (14 ft) for all types of combination vehicles
on ET and A highways and comply with special and on all road classes.
characteristics. The maximum length also varies with the type
Table 7 presents the required characteristics for of road and type of combination vehicle. Addition-
increasing the allowable weight by 1.5 metric tons ally, NOM-012 establishes that trailer and semi-
for every traction axle and by 1.0 metric ton for every trailer lengths should not exceed 13.70 m (45 ft)
other axle except the steering axle. This exception except on ET highways where it allows 16.2-m (53-ft)
granted for vehicles with pneumatic suspension will semitrailers (single semitrailers, not configured
reduce the pavement damage on roads and bridges as LCVs).
8
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RAFSA RTCF
Characteristics of the 9 axle
34 tire truck(a): Max gross
weight = 77.5 ton, Max
length = 22 meters. LCV's are RSMPT RPD
allowed. Weight and
Dimension Regulation
1980 1995 2000 2005 2010
1979 1981 1993 1994 1996 1997 1998 1999 2001 2002 2003 2004 2006 2007 2008 2009 2011
Characteristics of the 9
axle 34 tire truck: Max
gross weight = 76 ton, Max NOM-068-SCT-2-2000 LCPAF NOM-040-SCT-2-2008
length = 31 meters.
No longer Valid NOM-012-SCT-2-1994
Under review
Characteristics of the 9 Characteristics of the 9
Valid - Current Version
axle 34 tire truck: Max axle 34 tire truck: Max
NOM-040-SCT-2-1995 gross weight = 81.5 ton, Max gross weight = 80 ton, Max
length = 31 meters. length = 31 meters.
New version - not approved NOM-012-SCT-2-1995 NOM-012-SCT-2-2008
Figure 7 Mexican transportation regulations timeline.
OCR for page 10
Table 2 Mexican transportation regulations.
Last
Abbreviation Update Title Title in English
Reglamento de Peso y Oct. 1980 Reglamento de Peso y Regulation Concerning
Dimensiones Dimensiones Weights and Other Vehicle
(no longer valid) Characteristics
NOM-012-SCT-2-1994 Nov. 1994 Norma Oficial Mexicana Official Mexican Standard
(no longer valid) NOM-012-SCT-2-1994, NOM-012-SCT-2-1994, On
Sobre el peso y dimensiones the Maximum Weight and
máximas con los que pueden Dimensions of Motor Trans-
circular los vehículos de port Vehicles Traveling on
autotransporte que transitan Federal Jurisdiction Roads
en los caminos y puentes de and Bridges
jurisdicción federal.
NOM-040-SCT-2-1995 March 1998 Norma Oficial Mexicana Official Mexican Standard
NOM-040-SCT-2-1995, Para NOM-040-SCT-2-1995, The
el transporte de objetos indi- Transport of Single-Unit
visibles de gran peso y/o vol- Objects of Great Weight
umen, peso y dimensiones de and/or Volume, Weight, and
las combinaciones vehicu- Dimensions of Vehicular
lares y de las grúas industri- Combinations and of Indus-
ales y su tránsito por caminos trial Cranes That Travel on
y puentes de jurisdicción Federal Jurisdiction Roads
federal and Bridges
NOM-068-SCT-2-2000 July 2000 Norma Oficial Mexicana Official Mexican Standard
NOM-068-SCT-2-2000, NOM-068-SCT-2-2000,
Transporte terrestre-Servicio Land Transportation-
de autotransporte federal Passenger, Tourism and
de pasaje, turismo, carga Freight Motor Transport-
y transporte privado- Physical, Mechanical and
Condiciones físico-mecánica Safety Vehicle Condition for
y de seguridad para la Operation on Federal Roads
operación en caminos y
puentes de jurisdicción
federal
NOM-012-SCT-2-1995 Oct. 2000 Norma Oficial Mexicana Official Mexican Standard
(no longer valid) NOM-012-SCT-2-1995, NOM-012-SCT-2-1995, On
Sobre el peso y dimensiones the Maximum Weight and
máximas con los que pueden Dimensions of Motor Trans-
circular los vehículos de portation Vehicles Circulat-
autotransporte que transitan ing on Roads and Bridges of
en los caminos y puentes de Federal Jurisdiction
jurisdicción federal.
RAFSA Nov. 2000 Reglamento de Autotransporte Regulation of Federal Motor
Federal y Servicios Auxiliares Transportation and Auxiliary
Services
RSMPT April 2004 Reglamento del Servicio de Regulation of Preventive
Medicina Preventiva en el Medicine Services for
Transporte. Transportation
RTCF Oct. 2004 Reglamento de Tránsito en Regulation of Travel on Federal
Carreteras Federales Highways
LCPAF Oct. 2005 Ley de Caminos, Puentes y Law of Roads, Bridges, and
Autotransporte Federal Federal Motor Transportation
10
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Table 2 (Continued)
Last
Abbreviation Update Title Title in English
RPD Nov. 2006 Reglamento sobre el Peso, Regulation Concerning
Dimensiones y capacidad Weights, Dimensions, and
de los vehiculos de auto- Capacity of Commercial
transporte que transitan en Vehicles That Travel on Fed-
los Caminos y puentes de eral Jurisdiction Highways
jurisdiccion Federal and Bridges
NOM-012-SCT-2-2008 April 2008 Norma Oficial Mexicana Official Mexican Standard
NOM-012-SCT-2-2008, NOM-012-SCT-2-2008, On
Sobre el peso y dimensiones the Maximum Weight and
máximas con los que pueden Dimensions of Motor Trans-
circular los vehículos de port Vehicles Traveling on
autotransporte que transitan Federal Jurisdiction Roads
en los caminos y puentes de and Bridges
jurisdicción federal.
PROY NOM-040-SCT-2-2008 In process Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM- Official Mexican Standard
040-SCT-2-2008, Para el NOM-040-SCT-2-2008, The
transporte de objetos indivisi- Transport of Single-Unit
bles de gran peso y/o volu- Objects of Great Weight
men, peso y dimensiones de and/or Volume, Weight, and
las combinaciones vehicu- Dimensions of Vehicular
lares y de las grúas industri- Combinations and of Indus-
ales y su tránsito por caminos trial Cranes Traveling on
y puentes de jurisdicción Federal Jurisdiction Roads
federal and Bridges
Table 3 Evolution of the maximum allowable GVW (metric tons).*
Vehicle
Type 1980 Regulation NOM-012-SCT-2-1994 NOM-012-SCT-2-1995 NOM-012-SCT-2-2008
T3-S2 NA 44.0 + 5% 44.0 + 5.0 41.5 + 5.0
T2-S1-R2 45.5 47.5 + 5% 47.5 + 4.5 47.5 + 4.5
T2-S1-R3 -- -- -- 54.5 + 5.5
T2-S2-R2 -- -- -- 54.5 + 5.5
T3-S1-R2 53.5 56.0 + 5% 56.0 + 6.0 54.5 + 6.0
T3-S1-R3 -- -- -- 60.5 + 7.0
T3-S2-R2 61.5 60.5 + 5% 60.5 + 7.0 60.5 + 7.0
T3-S2-R3 69.5 -- 63.0 + 8.0 63.0 + 8.0 + 4.5**
T3-S2-R4 77.5 72.5 + 5% 66.5 + 9.0 66.5 + 9.0 + 4.5**
T3-S2-S2 -- -- -- 58.5 + 7.0
T2-S2-S2 -- -- -- 51.5 + 5.5
T3-S3-S2 -- -- 60.0 + 8.0 60.0 + 8.0
*Maximum GVW on ET and A highways; extra weight is allowed for pneumatic suspension.
NA: data not available.
(--): not considered.
**These two vehicle combinations are allowed an extra 4.5 tons until 2013.
11
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Table 4 Evolution of the maximum allowable length (m).*
Vehicle
Type 1980 Regulation NOM-012-SCT-2-1994 NOM-012-SCT-2-1995 NOM-012-SCT-2-2008
T3-S2 NA 20.8 20.8 23.0
T2-S1-R2 22.0 31.0 31.0 31.0
T2-S1-R3 -- -- -- 31.0
T2-S2-R2 -- -- -- 31.0
T3-S1-R2 22.0 31.0 31.0 31.0
T3-S1-R3 -- -- -- 31.0
T3-S2-R2 22.0 31.0 31.0 31.0
T3-S2-R3 22.0 -- 31.0 31.0
T3-S2-R4 22.0 31.0 31.0 31.0
T3-S2-S2 -- -- -- 31.0
T2-S2-S2 -- -- -- 31.0
T3-S3-S2 -- -- 25.0 25.0
*Maximum allowable vehicle length for ET and A roadways.
NA: data not available.
(--): not considered.
Table 5 Maximum allowable axle and group weight (metric tons).
Road Type
Axle Configuration ET & A B C D
Single (two tires) 6.50 6.00 5.50 5.00
Single (four tires) 10.00 9.50 8.00 7.00
Single power axle (four tires) 11.00 10.50 9.00 8.00
Double power axle (six tires) 15.00 13.00 11.50 11.00
Double (eight tires) 17.00 15.00 13.50 12.00
Double power axle (eight tires) 18.00 17.00 14.50 13.50
Triple (12 tires) 23.50 22.50 20.00 NA
NA: not authorized.
SOURCE: NOM-012-SCT-2-2008.
12
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Table 6 Maximum allowable GVW.
Maximum Gross Weight
(Metric Tons)
LCV
Configuration Axles Tires ET & A B C D
T2-S1 3 10 27.5 26.0 22.5 NA
T2-S2 4 14 34.5 31.5 28.0 NA
T3-S2 5 18 41.5 38.0 33.5 NA
T3-S3 6 22 48.0 45.5 40.0 NA
T2-S3 5 18 41.0 39.0 34.5 NA
T3-S1 4 14 34.5 32.5 28.0 NA
T2-S1-R2 5 18 47.5 45.0 NA NA
T2-S1-R3 6 22 54.5 50.5 NA NA
T2-S2-R2 6 22 54.5 50.5 NA NA
T3-S1-R2 6 22 54.5 51.5 NA NA
T3-S1-R3 7 26 60.5 57.5 NA NA
T3-S2-R2 7 26 60.5 57.5 NA NA
T3-S2-R4 9 34 66.5 66.0 NA NA
T3-S2-R3 8 30 63.0 62.5 NA NA
T3-S3-S2 8 30 60.0 60.0 NA NA
T2-S2-S2 6 22 51.5 46.5 NA NA
T3-S2-S2 7 26 58.5 53.0 NA NA
NA: not authorized.
SOURCE: NOM-012-SCT-2-2008.
For auto carriers, the rear overhang on the trailer Special Provisions for Non-Divisible Loads
or semitrailer can extend past the end of the trailer
In Mexico, NOM-040-SCT-2-1995 regulates
up to 1 m (3.28 ft). When the truck is transporting
non-divisible loads. Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-
pipe, poles, or iron rods, the load can extend past the
040-SCT-2-1995, Para el transporte de objetos indi-
end of the semitrailer by as much as 2.50 m (8.2 ft)
visibles de gran peso y/o volumen, peso y dimensiones
if the total length of the semitrailer is less than
de las combinaciones vehiculares y de las grúas indus-
14.63 m (48 ft) and the total length of the combination
triales y su tránsito por caminos y puentes de jurisdic-
is less than the maximum allowed.
ción federal (Transportation of Indivisible Objects
of Great Weight and/or Volume, Weight, and Dimen-
General Motor Carrier Operating Environment
sions of Vehicular Combinations and of Industrial
As noted earlier, trucks and trailers used in Mex- Cranes Traveling on Federal Jurisdiction Roads and
ico are similar in many ways to trucks currently oper- Bridges) was published in March 1998. A new ver-
ating on U.S. highways. However, there are significant sion of this standard is under development as a proj-
differences in size and weight limits between the ect (PROY NOM-040-SCT-2-2008), but it has to
two countries, so vehicles in Mexico are typically go through the approval process. Table 10 shows the
heavier than their counterparts in the United States. current standard for maximum axle load for non-
The largest--and in some cases heaviest--trucks in divisible load trips.
both countries are LCVs. For special loads, the maximum GVW is the sum
The most common type of combination vehicle of the maximum axle weights. Cargo must be posi-
used in Mexico (as in the United States) is the tractor- tioned in the truck so that the axle weight does not
semitrailer (3-S2, or T3-S2 in Mexico). The most exceed the maximum allowed.
commonly used semitrailer length in the United States The maximum allowed speed on bridges is
is 53 ft, and it is not surprising that vehicles of this 30 km/hr (19 mph) for loads weighing less than
length are widely used in Mexico on the highest 70 metric tons, 20 km/hr (12 mph) for loads weigh-
classes of roadways (ET, A, and B). ing between 70 and 90 metric tons, and 10 km/hr
13
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Table 7 Minimum requirements to increase maximum axle weight.
Minimum
Low Emission Electronic Minimum
and Physical- Engine Power Minimum Capacity Auxiliary Dolly Converter Anti-lock
Truck Mechanical Requirements in Torque of Traction Brake with Double Brake System Pneumatic
Configuration Certification Horse Power (HP) (lb-ft) Axles (lb) System Security Chains (ABS) Suspension
T2-S1 260 660 -- --
T2-S2 300 800 -- --
T3-S2 350 1,050 -- --
T3-S3 350 1,050 -- --
T2-S3 350 1,050 -- --
T3-S1 300 800 -- --
T2-S1-R2 350 1,250 30,000
T2-S2-R2 350 1,250 30,000
T2-S1-R3 370 1,250 30,000
T3-S1-R2 370 1,250 40,000
T3-S1-R3 400 1,650 44,000
T3-S2-R2 400 1,650 44,000
T3-S2-R4 450 1,850 46,000
T3-S2-R3 450 1,850 44,000
T3-S3-S2 400 1,650 44,000 --
T2-S2-S2 370 1,250 30,000 --
T3-S2-S2 400 1,650 44,000 --
(--): Not applicable for this vehicle.
SOURCE: NOM-012-SCT-2-2008.
OCR for page 15
Table 8 Maximum allowable GVW. Table 9 Maximum truck lengths in Mexico.
Maximum Gross Weight Maximum Length (m)
(Metric Tons) by Road Type
Truck Truck
Configuration ET & A Highways Configuration ET & A B C D
T2-S1 30.0 T2-S1 23.0 20.8 18.5 NA
T2-S2 38.0 T2-S2 23.0 20.8 18.5 NA
T3-S2 46.5 T3-S2 23.0 20.8 18.5 NA
T3-S3 54.0 T3-S3 23.0 20.8 18.5 NA
T2-S3 45.5 T2-S3 23.0 20.0 18.0 NA
T3-S1 38.5 T3-S1 23.0 20.0 18.0 NA
T2-S1-R2 52.0 T2-S1-R2 31.0 28.5 NA NA
T2-S1-R3 60.0 T2-S1-R3 31.0 28.5 NA NA
T2-S2-R2 60.0 T2-S2-R2 31.0 28.5 NA NA
T3-S1-R2 60.5 T3-S1-R2 31.0 28.5 NA NA
T3-S1-R3 67.5 T3-S1-R3 31.0 28.5 NA NA
T3-S2-R2 67.5 T3-S2-R2 31.0 28.5 NA NA
T3-S2-R4 80.0* T3-S2-R4 31.0 28.5 NA NA
T3-S2-R3 75.5* T3-S2-R3 31.0 28.5 NA NA
T3-S3-S2 68.0 T3-S3-S2 25.0 25.0 NA NA
T2-S2-S2 57.0 T2-S2-S2 31.0 28.5 NA NA
T3-S2-S2 65.5 T3-S2-S2 31.0 28.5 NA NA
*These figures include an additional 4.5 tons allowed by law until NA: not authorized.
2013. SOURCE: NOM-012-SCT-2-2008.
SOURCE: NOM-012-SCT-2-2008.
(6 mph) for loads greater than 90 metric tons. The usually required. The carrier must prove that the
truck must also travel along the center of the bridge. load and axle configuration complies with the max-
If the load capacity of the configuration does not imum allowed.
exceed 90 metric tons, the maximum speed allowed If the load capacity of the configuration exceeds
varies between 20 km/hr and 70 km/hr (12 mph and 90 metric tons, the carrier must comply with a specific
44 mph, respectively) depending on the vehicle con- technical permission issued by the SCT. The carrier
figuration and road type. Pneumatic suspension is must inform the SCT and the Federal Highway Police
Table 10 Maximum axle load weight for non-divisible loads.
Load/Axle Type
(Metric Tons)
Maximum Load per
Axle Type Tires Weight/Tire Load per Axle
or Group per Axle (Metric Tons) Axle Group
Single 2 3.3 6.6 6.6
Single 4 2.75 11.0 11.0
Single 8 2.75 22.0 22.0
Double 8 2.75 11.0 22.0
Double 16 2.75 22.0 44.0
Triple 12 2.75 11.0 33.0
Triple 24 2.75 22.0 66.0
Quadruple 8 per axle 2.25 18.0 Variable
Quadruple 12 per axle 2.25 27.0 Variable
SOURCE: NOM-040-SCT-2-1995.
15
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Table 11 Maximum axle load dimensions for pull in, enforcement representatives direct drivers to
non-divisible loads. cross a weigh-in-motion (WIM) system to estimate
the weight. If the WIM detects that the truck is over-
Maximum Dimensions (m)
Configuration weight, trucks have to be weighed on a static scale.
Type Length Width Height The SCT and the police also perform random
checks at non-fixed locations of the roadway network
1 20.8 2.6 4.25 utilizing portable equipment. These inspections are
2 20.8 Up to 3.1 Any not very frequent because the federal police who
3 18.0 Up to 3.3 Any perform the inspections have other duties assigned to
4 30.0 Up to 3.6 Any
5 Over 30.0 Up to 3.6 Any them. Security issues along the roadway network have
6 Any Over 3.6 Any become more frequent in recent years, reducing the
priority of vehicle safety inspections. During a road-
SOURCE: NOM-040-SCT-2-1995. side inspection at either fixed or portable locations, the
SCT also requires drivers to undergo medical exami-
of the route and schedule of the trip at least 24 hours nations. The purpose is to determine whether drivers
in advance of the trip. Table 11 shows the maximum are medically fit to operate large vehicles safely.
dimensions allowed by this standard. NOM-012-SCT-2-2008 empowers the SCT to
Depending on the special vehicle configuration limit the size and weight of commercial vehicles using
type, escort vehicles (or pilot cars) with warning lights size and weight enforcement stations (currently
are required to improve safety and facilitate trans- there are 7 fixed enforcement stations and more
portation of the oversize vehicle. Oversize config- than 30 portable stations in Mexico) and an auto-
uration Types 1 through 3 require no escort vehicles; regulation process whereby eligible shippers and car-
Type 4 requires one escort vehicle; and Types 5 and riers that have certified weighing scales and measuring
6 require two escort vehicles. These special vehicle systems can auto-regulate size and weight limits (this
configurations are not allowed to travel on federal provision has not been enforced yet).
highways between sunset and midnight. Norma Oficial Mexicana NOM-068-SCT-2-2000,
Transporte terrestre-Servicio de autotransporte fed-
Truck Size and Weight eral de pasaje, turismo, carga y transporte privado--
Enforcement Procedures Condiciones físico-mecánica y de seguridad para la
operación en caminos y puentes de jurisdicción fed-
In Mexico, the SCT is responsible for the enforce- eral (NOM-068-SCT-2-2000) establishes the criteria
ment and regulation of commercial vehicles. First and authority for roadside commercial vehicle inspec-
developed in the early 1990s, Mexico's commercial tions. This regulation also establishes the procedures
vehicle enforcement and inspection program includes used for inspecting commercial vehicles and placing
roadside inspections and on-site compliance reviews. them out of service and also a timeframe for inspect-
To achieve compliance with the standards regulat- ing these vehicles, ranging from 20 minutes for buses
ing the use of highways at the federal level, Mexico and commercial vehicles carrying hazardous materi-
uses various methods to check aspects of commer- als to 30 minutes for commercial vehicles carrying
cial vehicles. general cargo. Table 12 shows current enforcement
The purpose of the inspections conducted by the actions taken for various noncompliant equipment
SCT is to verify that carriers, drivers, equipment, conditions under NOM-068-SCT-2-2000.
installations, and operating service comply with all
the requirements imposed by federal standards. Vehicle Characteristics, Licensing,
SCT inspections are done with the cooperation of and Training Provisions
the Federal Highway Police, and, generally, they are
performed during regular work days and hours, NOM-068-SCT-2-2000 defines the physical and
although they could be carried out at any day or time mechanical requirements of vehicles on federal high-
if necessary. ways and inspection and verification procedures for
The SCT has built fixed-location facilities where determining whether vehicles comply with such
trucks are inspected using techniques similar to those specifications. This standard was published in 2000,
used in the United States. When the stations are in but has not been enforced. However, now that the
operation and lights are flashing to signal drivers to latest version of NOM-012 has been published, the
16
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Table 12 Mexican roadside commercial vehicle noncompliant equipment conditions and enforcement actions.
Enforcement
NOM-068-SCT-2-2000 Noncompliant Equipment Conditions Actions
4.1 Lighting Systems Missing fuses, bridged with wire, aluminum, or other A*
Worn, exposed, twisted wires, missing insulation
Missing or inoperable headlights (if needed)
Missing or inoperable brake lights
4.3 Windshield Wipers No windshield wipers and spray jets A
4.4 Windshield Shattered or missing windshield B
4.5 Tires, Inner Tubes, Belts Cut/damaged tire walls, exposed structural material, B
tread separation, abrasion from adjacent surfaces,
exposed radial belts, wheel separation, not designed
for highway use
4.6 Wheels, Rims Bent, broken, or cracked wheel rims B
4.7/4.8 Frames, Rails, Chassis Cracked, loose, bent, or broken frame rails B
Twists, bends, weaknesses from cracked chassis
4.9 Fuel System Missing gas cap, fuel spillage in filling pipe, leaking B
fuel lines
4.11 Exhaust System Unsafe mounting of exhaust pipes B
Broken or damaged exhaust pipes
4.12 Steering System Loose steering wheel, detached joints, missing steering B
column U-bolts
Detached steering gear box from chassis mounting,
ruptured gear box or mounting brackets
4.13 Suspension System No springs on mechanical suspension B
Cracked suspension frame or loose U-bolts
4.14 Pneumatic Brake System Curled, obstructed, or broken hoses or pipes C
Cracked brake drums
Detached or loosely mounted brake chambers
Out of adjustment (>20%) push rods
4.15 Hydraulic Brake System Inoperative brake linings and/or oil contamination B
of drums
Missing brake lining segments
4.16 Electric Brake System Missing, ruptured, or defective brake on vehicle wheel B
*A When these defects are evident, the driver is allowed to correct deficiencies immediately. Once the correction has been verified, he or
she may continue his or her trip, exempt from corresponding sanctions.
B For these defects, a sanction will be issued, but the driver/vehicle will be allowed to continue on to the destination with the aim of repair-
ing the defects found. Once the defects are corrected and verified, the driver/vehicle will be allowed to resume normal operations. A written
advisory will be issued that notes the defects discovered and allows a maximum of 20 calendar days to be corrected.
C For these defects, a sanction will be issued, and the driver/vehicle will be put out of service. The vehicle must be towed to a location
determined by the owner for repair. Once the defects are repaired and inspected/verified, the driver/vehicle may resume normal operations.
The driver must maintain the vehicle evaluation form in the vehicle.
SCT will begin enforcing verification that the LCVs previously noted, this special license requirement is
that are allowed extra axle and gross weight actually not being enforced since the license renewal mech-
have the requisite pneumatic suspensions. anism has not been created. Nonetheless, it is impor-
tant to review the basics of the current Mexican
Licensing Requirements
licensing, training, and testing processes.
NOM-012-SCT-2-2008 specifies that LCV driv- According to the current legislation, all commer-
ers must have a special driver's license and training cial vehicle drivers, including Mexican and foreign
when the truck is using the extra axle weight. As drivers, are required to have a valid driver's license.
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To obtain a federal driver's license, drivers must file vehicle operations, and maintenance content. Training
a written application with the SCT. Depending on requirements for renewing drivers are 40 hours of
the license category, the application must be accom- roadway safety and defensive driving, vehicle opera-
panied with the following materials: tion and maintenance, and customer service; 28 hours
of road safety, vehicle operation and maintenance, and
· In all cases, drivers must provide a medical
customer attention and service; and 16 hours of tech-
(psychological and physical) fitness certifi-
nical update, service quality culture, family values,
cate, two identification cards with full-front
and integrity. Drivers can obtain the required training
color photos, proof of address, and a training
from the SCT's officially certified schools and educa-
certificate.
tional or licensee training centers.
· For License Categories A (bus), B (tractor-
In addition to meeting training requirements,
trailer combination, excluding hazardous
drivers must take a psychological and physical exam
materials), C (two- or three-axle trucks, ex-
by a certified medical professional. A medical exam
cluding hazardous materials), D (automobiles
is required prior to license issuance and every 2 years
and small buses), and F (taxis to/from Mexi-
thereafter. The exam considers each of the following
can airports and seaports), drivers must also
physical features in the context of potential interfer-
provide legal documentation that certifies their
ence with the safe and efficient performance of driver
legal age and, in the case of Category D, a
tourist guide credential. activities:
· For Category E (any truck including hazardous · Eyes, nose, and throat
materials), drivers must have a Category B · Respiratory system
or C federal driver's license or a hazardous · Cardiovascular system
materials and waste carrier certificate that indi- · Digestive system/abdominal wall
cates 2 years of experience operating vehicles · Musculoskeletal system
that haul this type of product. · Plasma
Drivers operating across international borders · Organ transplants
must also provide legal documentation that certifies · Nervous system
their legal age as 21 years old or older and a certifi- · Endocrinal system
cate proving knowledge of the English language. · Hematopoietic system
· Genitourinary apparatus
License Renewals · Skin
· Psychological
The effective term of a federal driver's license · Psychiatric
is 10 years with renewals every 2 years. License
renewals require drivers to complete additional train- In the United States, individual states develop
ing and a physical exam. The following section pre- their own knowledge and skill tests that must meet the
sents the details of the physical exam and training minimum federal standards provided for in Subpart G
requirements. When the driver is requesting a change and H of 49 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR)
in the license category, the applicant must file the Part 383 (2). The Federal Motor Carrier Safety
appropriate training certificate and/or his/her current Administration (FMCSA) has prepared and distrib-
license with the SCT. The renewal term is currently uted model driver and examiner manuals and tests to
under review by the SCT. the states to use if they wish. Some of the require-
ments associated with the tests include the following:
Training Requirements and Physical Exam · Each basic knowledge test (i.e., the test cov-
Prior to license issuance and renewal, drivers are ering the areas referred to in 49 CFR 383.111
required to obtain a training certificate. Training for the applicable vehicle group) shall contain
requirements for new drivers are 63 hours of roadway at least 30 items, exclusive of the number of
safety theory and defensive driving, vehicle opera- items testing air brake knowledge.
tion and maintenance, customer service, security and · Applicants must correctly answer at least
hygiene, and human development and 57 hours 80 percent of the questions to pass the knowl-
of practical roadway safety and defensive driving, edge tests (general and endorsement).
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