Part 374 — Passenger Carrier Regulations
49 CFR Part 374: Federal rules for motor carriers of passengers, including baggage liability and service requirements.
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49 CFR Part 374 sets the federal rules applicable to motor carriers of passengers — including charter bus operations, scheduled intercity bus services, airport shuttle services, and other for-hire passenger transportation by motor vehicle. While much of trucking regulation focuses on freight carriers, Part 374 addresses the distinct regulatory needs of carriers whose cargo is people.
Key provisions of Part 374 cover baggage liability — including the maximum liability a carrier can impose on lost or damaged checked baggage and the notice requirements carriers must provide to passengers about their rights. The part also covers civil rights requirements for passengers with disabilities and addresses ticket refund practices and service obligations.
Part 374 applies in addition to the core Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations under Parts 390-399. Passenger carriers must comply with driver qualification requirements (Part 391), hours of service (Part 395), vehicle maintenance (Part 396), and the drug and alcohol testing program (Part 382), just as freight carriers do.
Key Provisions
- Sets baggage liability rules for motor carriers of passengers, including maximum limitations.
- Requires carriers to provide notice to passengers about their rights and carrier liability limits.
- Addresses civil rights requirements for passengers, including those with disabilities.
- Covers ticket refund practices and service obligations for intercity passenger carriers.
- Applies alongside core FMCSRs — passenger carriers must also comply with Parts 391, 395, 396, and 382.
Why It Matters to Truck Owners
Most Big Ugly Truck clients deal in freight vehicles, not passenger carriers. But if you’re buying or selling a coach, shuttle van, or airport bus, Part 374 is part of the regulatory picture. Passenger carrier operations involve both the consumer protection provisions of Part 374 and all the same safety compliance requirements that apply to freight carriers.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Part 374 apply to Uber and rideshare vehicles?
Part 374 and the FMCSRs generally apply to for-hire motor carriers of passengers engaged in interstate commerce using commercial motor vehicles as defined in 49 CFR Part 390. Rideshare vehicles below the CMV weight threshold typically fall outside FMCSA jurisdiction, though state regulations may apply.
What are the baggage liability limits under Part 374?
Part 374 sets rules for how carriers must disclose their baggage liability limits to passengers. Carriers can limit their liability for checked baggage, but only if they provide adequate notice of those limits and offer passengers the option to declare higher value for additional compensation.
What is the difference between a charter bus carrier and a scheduled service carrier under Part 374?
Both are subject to Part 374 but may face different specific requirements within it. Scheduled intercity services face additional service and ticket refund obligations, while charter operations are typically governed by contract terms between the carrier and the chartering party, subject to the baseline rules in Part 374.
Read the official legal text: 49 CFR Part 374 — eCFR.gov (official)
Related Federal Trucking Laws
- Part 391 — Driver Qualifications
- Part 392 — Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles
- Part 395 — Hours of Service of Drivers
- Part 396 — Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance
This page is provided for informational purposes only and is not legal advice. Always verify current requirements at fmcsa.dot.gov or with a qualified transportation attorney.
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