The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) announced Thursday, May 14th, that revisions have been made and the Hours of Service Rule will be changing as early as September. Drivers will have more flexibility in how long they are able to sit behind the wheel before taking a mandated break. This will help to alleviate unnecessary burdens placed on CDL drivers while maintaining safety on our nation’s highways and roads.
Revised Hours of Service offers more flexibility for drivers
The updated regulation comes from the Department of Transportation listening directly to the concerns of truckers seeking rules that are safer and have more flexibility. “These updated hours of service rules are based on thousands of comments we received from the American people. These reforms will improve safety on America’s roadways. In addition, help strengthen the nation’s motor carrier industry,” said FMCSA Acting Administrator Jim Mullen.
The trucking industry trade group the American Trucking Associations (ATA) praised the move, saying the updated rule would provide professional drivers more flexibility, without sacrificing safety. “Today’s rule is the result of a two-year, data-driven process. It will result in needed flexibility for America’s professional truck drivers while maintaining the safety of our roads.”
The updated regulation offers four key revisions to the existing HOS rules:
To learn more visit: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/hours-service-drivers-final-rule