Rule on Truck Drivers’ Working Hours Unchanged

The verdict has been passed. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has set the final rule on the number of work hours for commercial motor vehicle drivers. No changes were made, though, in the final rule published in the November 19, 2008 Federal Register.

Under the final rule, commercial motor vehicle drivers will continue driving for 11 hours within a total workday of not more than 14 hours. They are required to rest for at least 10 hours between shifts before being allowed to drive again. The final rule also does not allow them to operate or drive a vehicle if they have worked more than 60 hours in a given week..

John Hill, administrator of FMCSA, said that the final rule “is based on an exhaustive scientific review and designed to get the necessary rest to perform safety operations and the quality of life they deserve.”

In 2006, a proposed rule would require trucking companies and drivers with serious or repeat hours-of-service violations to track their work hours with the use of electronic onboard recorders.