FMCSA updates its HoS Final Rule
The FMCSA has published its new Hours-of-Service (HoS) Final Rule to increase safety by updating existing regulations for commercial motor vehicle drivers. Updated based on public feedback, this rule provides greater flexibility for drivers subject to those rules without adversely affecting their safety. The new rule has been published in the Federal Register, and will be effective September 29, 2020.
Four key revisions to existing HoS rules
Short-haul operations
Drivers’ maximum on-duty period is extended from 12 to 14 hours. And the air-mile radius within which the driver may operate is extended from 100 air miles to 150 air miles.
Adverse Driving Conditions
Modifies the adverse driving conditions exception by extending it by 2 hours, the maximum on-duty window during which driving is permitted.
30-Minute Break
Requires a 30-minute break after 8 consecutive hours of driving time have elapsed.
Sleeper Berth Exception
Drivers can split their required 10-hours off duty into two periods: an 8/2 split or a 7/3 split (7 or 8 hours in sleeper berth, and either 3 or 2 additional hours in sleeper or off-duty). Neither period counts against the driver’s 14-hour driving window.
Understanding the new rule
The 232-page final rule is now public, and details can be found on the FMCSA’s website. Read the FMCSA’s announcement, and access the complete HoS Final Rule. If you have questions about the final rule, the changes or how these updates affect your fleet, contact our dedicated Safety and Compliance team.