The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced that it is now enforcing stricter safety rules for all bus companies seeking to obtain federal registration for carrying passengers across state lines.

Compliance is now required on a final rule that was published on Dec. 16, 2008 and made effective on Feb. 17, 2009.

New companies must pass all 16 "essential" federal regulations or automatically fail the safety audit necessary for being granted permanent registration. The regulations include controlled substances and alcohol testing, hours-of-service rules, driver qualifications, vehicle condition and carrier insurance responsibility. A failed test may result in revocation of a carrier's registration unless corrective action is taken as directed by FMCSA.

If certain violations are discovered during a roadside inspection, the new entrant is subject to "expedited actions" to correct these deficiencies or a compliance review that can result in fines or an out-of-service order. FMCSA is also checking compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act and certain household goods-related requirements in the new entrant safety audit, if they apply to the new entrant's operation

"This new rule helps to ensure that only the safest carriers can enter the industry and continue to operate on our roadways," said FMCSA Administrator Anne S. Ferro. "By strengthening the new entrant process, our agency supports new carriers as they establish and maintain critical safety management controls that enable them to operate in full compliance with federal safety regulations."

Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood added that the enforcement signals the federal government's priority of enhancing bus and truck safety.