On Aug. 22, 2019, FMCSA published a Proposed Rule making concerning drivers’ HOS. The proposal contains certain amendments to provide greater flexibility for drivers.
What is Changing?
1. Short-haul Exception
Expands the short-haul exception to 150 air-miles and allows a 14-hour work shift to take place as part of the exception.
2. Adverse Driving Conditions Exception
Expands the driving window during adverse driving conditions by up to an additional 2 hours.
3. 30-Minute Break Requirement
Requires a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving time (instead of on-duty time) and allows an on-duty/not driving period to qualify as the required break.
4. Sleeper Berth Provision
Modifies the sleeper berth exception to allow a driver to meet the 10-hour minimum off-duty requirement by spending at least 7, rather than at least 8 hours in the berth and a minimum off-duty period of 2 hours inside or outside the berth, both periods must total 10 hours, neither period counts against the 14-hour driving window.
HOS Pause Pilot Program
“FMCSA wants to hear directly from drivers to the possibility and safety of the HOS pause pilot program. The FMCSA remains committed to exploring ways to improving safety on our roadways while increasing flexibility for truckers. We encourage drivers, motor carriers, and interested citizens to review the proposed pilot program and provide substantive public comments to review,” said FMCSA Deputy Administrator Jim Mullen. The pilot program comment period will be open for 60 days. Comments must be received on or before 60 days after publication in the Federal Register. The implementation date of the pilot program will be announced in subsequent Federal Register notices. Review the proposed pilot program here.
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