The US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) has announced new guidelines aimed at addressing concerns from truckers and farmers about diesel exhaust fluid (DEF) systems. Starting with model year 2027, all new diesel on-road trucks must be engineered to prevent sudden and severe power loss after running out of DEF.
The current DEF system has caused frustration and economic hardship for many farmers, truckers, and equipment operators due to its tendency to trigger drastic speed reductions or render vehicles inoperable. The EPA’s new guidance will work with manufacturers to update software changes on existing fleet vehicles, ensuring that solutions can be implemented quickly without bureaucratic delays.
The agency is not requiring separate approvals beyond the provided guidance, aiming to minimize regulatory hurdles and facilitate swift action from manufacturers. This change is expected to save family farms an estimated $727 million per year and provide vital financial and operational certainty.
Trucking groups like the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) have applauded the EPA’s action, praising the new guidelines for their commonsense approach. The updated inducement schedules will help drivers maintain safe control of their vehicles during diagnosis and remedy processes, allowing them to finish trips and plan for necessary maintenance without unnecessary delays.
The move is seen as a significant relief for hardworking Americans in various industries, including agriculture, construction, and trucking, who have been affected by the current DEF system’s shortcomings.
Source: https://cdllife.com/2025/epa-announces-fix-for-truckers-plagued-by-speed-and-power-loss-caused-by-diesel-exhaust-fluid-systems