Premium Joomla Template by HostMonster Reviews

New Driver Hours of Service Rules in Place

Revised hours-of-service (HOS) rules announced by the Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) are now in place.  The new rule reduces to 70 hours – a 12-hour reduction – the number of hours a driver can work during a seven-day week, but keeps the 11-hour daily driving limit – a move strongly opposed by the American Trucking Assn. (ATA).

The rule also changes the 34-hour “restart” provision that had been opposed by livestock and poultry groups.  “Restart” refers to drivers’ ability to restart the clock on their driving hours if they take at least 34 hours off-duty. The new rule says that as of July 1, 2013, the 34-hour restart provision includes two 1 a.m.-5 p.m. periods because FMCSA says rest at night is better for the driver than rest during the day, and can only be taken once during a seven-day period.  The maximum driving limit will continue to be 14 consecutive hours after coming on duty, and the final rule imposes a 30-minute break if the driver has worked more than eight consecutive hours since his/her last off-duty (sleeper berth) period of at least an hour. The battle over HOS changes isn’t over, as legislation approved by the Senate Commerce, Science & Transportation Committee, but not acted on by the full Senate, would require that commercial trucks be outfitted with electronics to ensure compliance with HOS rules.

For more information click here.