FMCSA Suspends USDOT Inactivations for Missed Biennial Updates — What Ohio Carriers Must Know

Under normal FMCSA rules, motor carriers must file a biennial update (Form MCS-150) every two years. Carriers that fail to file on time are subject to having their USDOT number inactivated, which effectively prohibits them from operating in interstate commerce. However, FMCSA's official registration page now states that the agency has temporarily suspended the inactivation of USDOT numbers for entities that have not completed the required biennial update since June 1, 2026. FMCSA has attributed this suspension to the disruption caused by the ongoing transition to Motus, the new USDOT Registration System that replaced the legacy Unified Registration System beginning May 14–19, 2026. The suspension is intended to reduce disruption to carriers during the Motus transition period. FMCSA has not publicly announced a specific end date for the suspension; carriers should monitor fmcsa.dot.gov/registration for updates.

Ohio motor carriers with a USDOT number — including owner-operators, small fleets, and freight brokers — must file a biennial update every 24 months. Operating with an inactive USDOT number exposes a carrier to out-of-service orders and civil penalties. While the temporary suspension provides short-term relief, FMCSA's pause will end: carriers should use this window to log into Motus at fmcsa.dot.gov/registration, verify their biennial update status, and file their MCS-150 if it is due or overdue. Carriers that have not yet created a Motus account should do so promptly, as the legacy registration system has been sunset. All other Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations — including insurance, drug and alcohol testing, and operating authority — remain fully in effect during the suspension period.