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FMCSA Makes Major Changes to its Hours of Service Requirements

Last week the FMCSA announced significant changes to its Hours of Service (HOS) requirements to provide greater flexibility for drivers.  The four primary changes to the HOS requirements are:

  1. Short Haul: Increases the short-haul exceptions from 100 air miles to 150 air miles, and increases the work shift hours from 12 hours to 14 hours;
  2. Adverse Driving Conditions: Expands on-duty driving window during the adverse driving condition by an additional two hours;
  3. 30-Minute Rest Break:  Requires a 30-minute break after eight hours of driving (instead of on-duty time) and rest breaks can be taken during on-duty / non-driving periods; and
  4. Sleeper Berth Exception:  Allows drivers to meet the required 10-hour off-duty requirement by spending seven hours (instead of eight) in the sleeper berth, and a minimum of two hours off-duty, if the two rest breaks total 10 hours.  Additionally, these rest periods will not count against the 14-hour driving window.

These new HOS requirements will take effect 120 days from the FMCSA’s publication of these new rules, which are expected to be published by the end of May 2020. If you have any questions or need any assistance related to these changes, please contact our transportation attorneys at Chauvel & Glatt.

The material in this article, provided by Chauvel & Glatt, is designed to provide informative and current information as of the date of the post. It should not be considered, nor is it intended to constitute, legal advice or promise similar outcomes.  For information on your particular circumstances, please contact Chauvel & Glatt at 650-573-9500. (photo credit: 123rf.com)

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