{
  "schema_version": "citation-answer/v1",
  "answer_key": "fmcsa-new-entrant-audit",
  "artifact_slug": "fmcsa-new-entrant-audit",
  "query": "new entrant safety audit fmcsa",
  "citation_slots": 3,
  "canonical_path": "/guides/fmcsa-new-entrant-safety-audit",
  "title": "How does an FMCSA New Entrant safety audit work?",
  "description": "The 18-month program period and ordinary audit timing.",
  "answer_capsule": "FMCSA's New Entrant program monitors a new interstate carrier for an initial 18-month period and ordinarily conducts a safety audit within 12 months. The New Entrant Safety Assurance Program page, accessed 2026-07-21, is the named source. The audit is a federal process, not a Fonteum endorsement or performance guarantee.",
  "scope": "This guide states the program timeline and official handoff. It does not predict an audit result or replace FMCSA notices and instructions.",
  "methodology_version": "citation-answer/v1",
  "reproducibility_note": "Re-derive this answer from the named source and dated scope; no Fonteum account is required.",
  "limitations": [
    "Program rules, exceptions, and notices must be read in the current FMCSA material.",
    "This aggregate public-record answer is not a consumer report, person-level dossier, eligibility decision, or risk score."
  ],
  "related_links": [
    {
      "label": "DOT inspection levels",
      "href": "/guides/dot-roadside-inspection-levels"
    }
  ],
  "data_as_of": "2026-07-21",
  "source_artifacts": [
    {
      "source_key": "fmcsa-new-entrant",
      "kind": "upstream",
      "file_name": "New Entrant Safety Assurance Program",
      "file_url": "https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/new-entrant-safety-assurance-program",
      "publisher": "Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration",
      "published_date": null,
      "retrieved_date": "2026-07-21",
      "data_as_of": "2026-07-21",
      "sha256": null
    }
  ],
  "published_date": "2026-07-21",
  "modified_date": "2026-07-21",
  "sources": [
    {
      "source_key": "fmcsa-new-entrant",
      "name": "New Entrant Safety Assurance Program",
      "publisher": "Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration",
      "official_url": "https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/new-entrant-safety-assurance-program",
      "source_date_kind": "accessed",
      "source_date": "2026-07-21",
      "limitation": "Program timing and audit requirements are governed by FMCSA. An audit outcome is not a Fonteum endorsement or performance guarantee.",
      "retrieved_date": "2026-07-21"
    }
  ],
  "facts": [
    {
      "fact_key": "monitoring",
      "label": "Initial monitoring period",
      "value": "18 months",
      "source": {
        "source_key": "fmcsa-new-entrant",
        "name": "New Entrant Safety Assurance Program",
        "publisher": "Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration",
        "official_url": "https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/new-entrant-safety-assurance-program",
        "source_date_kind": "accessed",
        "source_date": "2026-07-21",
        "limitation": "Program timing and audit requirements are governed by FMCSA. An audit outcome is not a Fonteum endorsement or performance guarantee.",
        "retrieved_date": "2026-07-21"
      }
    },
    {
      "fact_key": "audit",
      "label": "Ordinary safety-audit timing",
      "value": "Within 12 months",
      "source": {
        "source_key": "fmcsa-new-entrant",
        "name": "New Entrant Safety Assurance Program",
        "publisher": "Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration",
        "official_url": "https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/safety/new-entrant-safety-assurance-program",
        "source_date_kind": "accessed",
        "source_date": "2026-07-21",
        "limitation": "Program timing and audit requirements are governed by FMCSA. An audit outcome is not a Fonteum endorsement or performance guarantee.",
        "retrieved_date": "2026-07-21"
      }
    }
  ],
  "faq": [
    {
      "question": "How long is the New Entrant monitoring period?",
      "answer": "FMCSA states an initial 18-month monitoring period."
    },
    {
      "question": "Does Fonteum decide the audit result?",
      "answer": "No. FMCSA administers the program and communicates the official result."
    }
  ]
}