FMCSA wants your input on HOS regs

You never thought they’d ask. But the FMCSA has issued a notice seeking input on certain aspects of hour of service (HOS) regulations. The agency said it wants input on four areas in which it is considering making changes.

1. Are there alternatives to the 30-minute rest break that would provide flexibility to drivers while still achieving the safety benefits goal?
2. Should the current 14-hour on-duty period be extended by 2 hours if the driver encounters adverse conditions, such as snow, sleet, fog, etc.?
3. Should short-haul (within 100 air miles) drivers’ maximum time be extended from 12 hours on-duty to 14 hours on-duty, to match that of long-haul drivers?
4. Should drivers with sleeper berths be allowed to split up their 10 hour off-duty rest break?

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The FMCSA also wants feedback on two petitions related to hours of service submitted by the Owner-Operators Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) and TruckerNation.

“The introduction of electronic logging devices and their ability to accurately record compliance with hours-of-service (HOS) regulations for drivers of commercial motor vehicles have prompted numerous requests from Congress and the public for FMCSA to consider revising certain HOS provisions. To address these requests, FMCSA seeks public input,” the agency said in its Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking.

To read specific questions the FMCSA would like answered, go to the Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking and download the PDF. Questions begin on page 12. After reading the questions, you can submit comments here. The deadline for submitting comments is October 10.