Drivers and motor carriers should continue operating under the current rules until the clock strikes midnight on the East Coast. This May 2020 Final Rule introduces new flexibilities to current driver hours of service.
These flexibilities include provisions that:
- Extend short-haul drivers’ maximum on-duty period from 12 to 14 hours and lengthen the air-mile radius for short-haul drivers from 100 to 150 air miles.
- Modify the adverse driving conditions exception by extending the maximum on-duty driving window by 2 hours under certain conditions.
- Permit drivers to take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving time and in an on-duty not-driving status; and
- Allow drivers using sleeper berths to take their required 10-hours off duty in a 7 and 3 split, in addition to 8 and 2.
The Final Rule does not change anything else in Part 395 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Drivers and motor carriers must continue to comply with the FMCSRs. The Final Rule can be read in its entirety on FMCSA’s website.
FMCSA is also working on FAQs to address common questions. ISRI suggests members check with their ELD or AOBRD provider to address questions relating to eRODS documentation. If you have any questions or need any transportation safety assistance contact ISRI’s Senior Safety Director, Commodor Hall.