New Truck Driver Hours of Service Regulations
Revised hours of service (HOS) regulations aimed at providing more flexibility for truck drivers will come into effect at 12 a.m. eastern time on September 29. This uniform timing means that drivers in different time zones, such as those on the West Coast, will need to adapt to the new rules starting at 9 p.m. on September 28.
Key Changes to the HOS Rules
Announced in May, the new regulations introduce four significant adjustments to current HOS rules:
1. Revised 30-Minute Break Requirement
The previous rule mandating a 30-minute break after no more than eight hours of on-duty time has been modified. Now, drivers must take this break after eight hours of continuous driving. Moreover, the break can be fulfilled while on-duty but not driving, allowing activities like refueling to count toward the break.
2. Updated Sleeper Berth Rules
The sleeper berth regulation has changed to allow drivers a split of their mandatory 10 hours off-duty time, increasing the shorter split from two to three hours. Importantly, neither of the split periods will count against the driver’s 14-hour driving limit.
3. Extended Adverse Driving Conditions Exception
The new rules revise the adverse driving conditions exception, increasing the maximum driving window by two hours. Previously, the allowance was for an extra two hours but required it to fit within a total 14-hour workday. Now, drivers can extend their workday to 16 hours during adverse conditions such as severe weather or heavy traffic.
4. Expanded Short-Haul Exception
The short-haul exception for certain commercial drivers is being broadened. The maximum on-duty period will increase from 12 to 14 hours, and the operational distance limit will extend from 100 air miles to 150 air miles.
Continued Safety Measures and Future Considerations
Officials noted that while these rule changes enhance flexibility, they do not increase overall driving time and maintain the requirement that commercial motor vehicle (CMV) operators cannot drive for more than eight consecutive hours without at least a 30-minute break.
One proposed change that did not make the final regulations was allowing a 30-minute off-duty break, up to three hours, that would temporarily halt a driver’s 14-hour on-duty window as long as they complete 10 consecutive hours off-duty at the end of their shift. This would help drivers manage peak traffic without shortening their allowable on-duty period. Nevertheless, a pilot program is under consideration to study the potential effects of permitting drivers to take a three-hour off-duty pause during their on-going work period.
Learn More: What You Need to Know About Hours of Service Changes
