DOT Releases Final rule Changing Hours-of-Service Safety Requirements

The Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration announced that it has revised the hours-of-service safety requirements for commercial truck drivers. After seeking input from the public, company owners, drivers, law enforcement, and safety advocates, the final rule reduces the maximum number of hours that a truck driver may work within a week, sets requirements for taking breaks, and contains re-start provisions.

With respect to driving hours, previously, drivers could work 82 hours in a week, whereas drivers may now only work 70 hours per week. As for breaks, drivers may not drive more than eight hours without taking at least a thirty-minute break. Finally, the rule has a “34-hour-restart” provision which allows drivers to restart their work week clock by taking at least 34 consecutive hours off-duty, however, drivers may only use the restart provision once during a seven-day period.

The new rule does not go into effect until July 1, 2013. Failure to adhere to the new rule could land a company and its drivers in hot water. Penalties range from $2,750 - $11,000 for each offense.

You can review the final rule, a table summarizing the changes, and a questions-and-answers page here.