TSA delays hazmat checks until at least next April

WASHINGTON, (Nov. 7, 2003) — The Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has delayed implementation of fingerprint-based background checks for hazmat commercial drivers’ licenses.

This week TSA officially made good on the plan Today’s Trucking reported on in late September to amend the interim final rule, which was scheduled to take effect on Nov. 3rd.
The interim final rule, originally issued May 5, implements the legal mandates of the USA Patriot Act in this regard, as well as the requirement of the Safe Explosives Act. TSA’s amendment responds to petitions calling for a postponement due to administrative, technical, and procedural challenges that must be overcome in deploying such a system.

Meanwhile, the agency announced today the long-awaited plan will be delayed until at least April 1, 2004. TSA also said individual states could apply to further extend that deadline to Dec. 1, 2004, meaning the plan could come into effect more than a year after originally planed.