Hours of Service (HOS) regulations are a set of rules established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to ensure the safety of drivers and others on the road by preventing fatigue-related accidents. These rules dictate how many hours a driver can work and drive, and the rest periods required between shifts. This guide offers an in-depth explanation of HOS, practical applications, and updates to the rules.
HOS rules apply to drivers operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs), defined as vehicles that:
Drivers can operate their vehicle for up to 11 hours during the 14-hour duty period. Afterward, a 10-hour rest is required.
This weekly limit prohibits drivers from being on duty for more than 60 hours over 7 consecutive days (if their company doesn’t operate every day) or 70 hours over 8 consecutive days (if their company operates daily). These limits reset after 34 consecutive hours off-duty.
The maximum on-duty period for short-haul drivers increased to 14 hours, and the distance limit extended to 150 air miles.
Drivers can extend their driving window by up to 2 hours under unforeseen conditions, such as severe weather or road closures.
Drivers can meet their 10-hour off-duty requirement by splitting the time into two periods (e.g., 7/3 or 8/2 hours), neither counting against the 14-hour driving window.
A break is required after 8 hours of on-duty time but can now include non-driving work activities, offering drivers greater flexibility.
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) automatically track HOS compliance, recording driving time, engine status, and vehicle movement. Tools like Tisfleet’s ELD provide real-time alerts to drivers and fleet managers about approaching violations, enhancing both safety and compliance.
Case Study: Flexibility with Sleeper Berths
A driver begins a shift at 6 a.m., drives for five hours, and takes an 8-hour sleeper berth break. This pause halts the 14-hour clock, allowing the driver to complete another 6 hours of driving after the break. This method effectively extends working hours while maintaining compliance.
Adverse Driving Conditions
During a snowstorm, a driver was able to extend their driving window to 16 hours under the adverse driving conditions exception, ensuring the delivery of essential goods while avoiding fatigue.
By understanding and adhering to HOS regulations, drivers not only ensure safety but also contribute to a more efficient and responsible transportation industry. For additional tools and resources, partnering with compliance technology providers like Tisfleet can streamline adherence to these vital rules
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