What You Need to Know About The New Federal Truck Driving Rules

December 22, 2014

Earlier this month, the Senate passed an amended bill introduced by Senator Susan Collins that will undo the July 2013 changes made to the federal rules for truck driver working hours. This new amendment that suspends these former rules will be in affect until October 1st while federal highway officials study traffic and drive patterns to help determine future legislation. Let’s take a look at the differences between the old rules and the new rules.

Old Rule:
– Drivers were required to take a 34-hour rest period before beginning another workweek after they had worked 70 hours over an eight day period.

– This 34-hour rest period had to include two consecutive overnights between the times of 1:00am and 5:00 am.

– Truck drivers were limited to 14 hours of work a day, of which only 11 hours could be behind the wheel.

– Drivers were required to take at least one 30-minute rest break within the first eight hours of their shift.

– Truckers were only allowed to work a maximum of 70 hours per week.

New Rule:
– Drivers are still required a 34-hour rest period, but are not required for their rest period to include two consecutive overnights.

– Truck drivers are still limited to 14 hours of work a day with only 11 hours of them being behind the wheel.

– Drivers are still required to take at least one 30-minute rest break within the first eight hours of their shift.

– There is no limit on the number of times truck drivers can declare the start of the new workday.

– Truckers are now able to work as many as 82 hours a week.
We like to keep you informed with changes in your industry, especially those concerning work safety.
What do you think about the new changes?

Is your CDL up-to-date? If you need a DOT driver medical exam, make an appointment with Dr. Taylor at OHC today.