Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has issued
a final rule to ensure that commercial
truck drivers have adequate rest for operating safely on the road. The rule
employs the latest research in driver fatigue and revises the hours-of-service
safety requirements for commercial truck drivers.
“This
final rule is the culmination of the most extensive and transparent public
outreach effort in our agency’s history,” says FMCSA Administrator Anne Ferro.
“With robust input from all areas of the trucking community, coupled with the
latest scientific research, we carefully crafted a rule acknowledging that when
truckers are rested, alert and focused on safety, it makes our roadways safer.”
The rule reduces the maximum number of hours a truck driver
can work from 82 hours to 70 hours within a 7-day period. Also, truck drivers
must take a break of at least 30 minutes after working 8 hours. The 11-hour
daily driving limit remains in place. According to FMCSA, it will continue to conduct
analysis and examine risks associated with the 11-hour limit. The rule includes
a 34-hour restart provision, which allows drivers to restart the clock on their
work week by being off-duty for 34 consecutive hours. The provision includes sleep
requirements, and is limited to once per 7-day period.
Commercial
truck drivers and companies must comply with the HOS final rule by July 1,
2013.