More from the FMCSA's FAQs:
"18. Can you describe the process carriers or drivers use to contest any potentially erroneous or improper violations on their record?
The DataQs program (https://dataqs.fmcsa.dot.gov/) allows carriers and drivers to challenge information that resides in FMCSA databases...."
The FMCSA did not make the url to the DataQs a link, but I did. (It's almost as if the FMCSA hoped we wouldn't notice....) The page is for filing "challenges" to your commercial driver data.
However! This is where it begins to tell how to get your information - for now anyway. The page says:
"Commercial drivers may file challenges to their commercial driver data. To obtain their data, commercial drivers may request the information via the Freedom of Information Act website."The Freedom of Information Act website says:
Before you submit a FOIA request for FMCSA documents please be aware of the following:Before I get to the addresses, I want to make sure of what, exactly, I'm looking for - so I can be "reasonable and specific." Would I ask for my "driver’s violation history"?; because part of the answer to question 6 says, "Therefore, the driver’s violation history before the driver is hired and after the driver’s employment is terminated will not impact a carrier’s SMS results."You must make your request in writing via mail, fax or email. Your request must include your name, address, and a telephone number where we can reach you if we have questions about your request. You should clearly indicate that you are making your request under FOIA. The request must reasonably and specifically describe the documents you seek....
Would I ask for my "crash and inspection results"?; because part of that same answer says, "However, even if a carrier terminates a driver, all of the driver’s crashes and inspection results that s/he received while operating for that carrier still apply to the carrier’s SMS evaluation for 24 months from the date of occurrence...."
Would I ask for "all the information that resides in FMCSA databases" about myself?; because part of the answer to question 18 states: "...The DataQs program (https://dataqs.fmcsa.dot.gov) allows carriers and drivers to challenge information that resides in FMCSA databases. This information includes Federal and State-reported data such as crash and inspection reports, compliance review and/or intervention results, and enforcement actions.
I like this last option the most. "Dear Sirs, Could I pleae have a copy of all the information that resides in FMCSA databases about myself...."
Where to send my request? The FMCSA website says:
Where to Make a FOIA Request
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration
Attn: FOIA Team MC-MMI
1200 New Jersey Avenue SE
Washington, DC 20590
Fax
(202) 385-2335
Attn: FOIA Team
foia@fmcsa.dot.gov
