On March 2, 2020, the FMCSA sent the Final HOS (Hours of Service) rule to the White House Office of Management and Budget Review.  This process has been on the fast track and the Final Rule will be forthcoming. There is no way of knowing how the Final Rule will eventually read, the Final Rule submitted contained these four items with recommendation on how the changes would be implemented:

• Expanding the current 100 Air-mile “short–haul” exemption from 12 hours on-duty to 14 hours on-duty, in order to be consistent with the rules for long-haul truck drivers
• Extending the current 14-hour on-duty limitation by up to 2 hours when a truck driver encounters adverse driving conditions
• Revising the current mandatory 30-minute break for truck drivers after 8 hour of continuous driving
• Reinstating the option for splitting up the required 10-hour off-duty rest break for drivers operating trucks equipped with a sleeper-berth compartment

When the final rule for HOS is approved and released, it is hoped the changes will add flexibility for drivers, making it easier for them to operate in today’s current conditions without causing undo hardships.

James M. Addison, DOT Consultant

ITI

881 South Girls School Road

Indianapolis, IN  46231

317-271-2611