WASHINGTON — Drivers of commercial motor vehicles, including fleets used by textile service companies, will continue to be limited to driving up to 11 hours within a 14-hour duty period, after which they must go off duty for at least 10 hours, under a new Interim Final Rule published in the Federal Register.
The interim rule was developed after new data showed that safety levels have been maintained since the 11-hour driving limit was first implemented in 2003, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
The proposal also allows motor carriers and drivers to restart calculations of the weekly on-duty time limits after the driver has at least 34 consecutive hours off duty.
“This proposal keeps in place hours-of-service limits that improve highway safety by ensuring that drivers are rested and ready to work,” says FMCSA Administrator John H. Hill. “The data makes clear that these rules continue to protect drivers, make our roads safer and keep our economy moving.”
Hill says the agency is also working to finalize a proposed rule that would require drivers and trucking companies with serious or repeat hours-of-service violations to track their hours of service using electronic on-board recorders.
Public comments on the IFR (72 FR 71247) are due no later than Feb. 15. You can visit www.regulations.gov and search for “Hours of Service of Drivers” to learn how to submit comments.
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