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FMCSA Issues Final Rule on U.S. Truck Driver Hours of Service
Earlier today, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) of the
US Department of Transportation published its long-awaited Final Rule on Truck
Driver Hours of Service. Key elements of the new final rule are:
Retained Under the New Rule
The current 11-hour daily driving limit is retained. FMCSA had raised the
possibility (some would say the preference) for maximum daily driving time to
be reduced to 10 hours;
The maximum driving window will continue to be 14 consecutive hours after
coming on duty;
The 60 hours in 7 days and 70-hours in 8 days cycles stay the same.
Major Changes
The 34-hour restart provision is: (1) Being limited to once per week (every 168
hours); (2) Will require anyone using the provision to include within it two night
periods between 1:00 a.m.- 5:00 a.m. of rest;
Truck drivers will not be allowed to drive after having been on-duty for 8
consecutive hours without first taking an off-duty break of at least 30 minutes.
Drivers can however take the 30-minute break before 8 consecutive hours are
up. The break will count against the 14-hour driving window.
Compliance
Compliance is required no later than July 1, 2013.
Earlier today, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) of the
US Department of Transportation published its long-awaited Final Rule on Truck
Driver Hours of Service. Key elements of the new final rule are:
Retained Under the New Rule
The current 11-hour daily driving limit is retained. FMCSA had raised the
possibility (some would say the preference) for maximum daily driving time to
be reduced to 10 hours;
The maximum driving window will continue to be 14 consecutive hours after
coming on duty;
The 60 hours in 7 days and 70-hours in 8 days cycles stay the same.
Major Changes
The 34-hour restart provision is: (1) Being limited to once per week (every 168
hours); (2) Will require anyone using the provision to include within it two night
periods between 1:00 a.m.- 5:00 a.m. of rest;
Truck drivers will not be allowed to drive after having been on-duty for 8
consecutive hours without first taking an off-duty break of at least 30 minutes.
Drivers can however take the 30-minute break before 8 consecutive hours are
up. The break will count against the 14-hour driving window.
Compliance
Compliance is required no later than July 1, 2013.