Starting September 29, 2020 the FMCSA announced that drivers will need to comply with the new Hours of Service regulations. Changes have been made to ensure drivers are better able to stay awake and be alert while on our nation’s roadways.
Hours of Service Changes: What to Expect
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.
Adverse Driving Conditions Exception
Expands the driving window during adverse driving conditions by up to an additional 2 hours.
30-Minute Break Requirement
Requires a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving time (instead of on-duty time). Allows an on-duty/not driving period to qualify as the required break.
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 of that period in the berth and a minimum off-duty period of at least 2 hours spent inside or outside the berth, provided the two periods total at least 10 hours, and that neither qualify period counts against the 14-hour driving window.
To better identify where potential violations may occur, use the FMCA’s educational tool for HOS to better understand the new hours of service regulations.
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