Lawmaker introduces bill to fix Hours of Service

A Texas lawmaker has introduced legislation that would “modernize” current Hours of Service regulations for truck drivers.

The bill is known as H.R. 5417, or “The Responsible and Effective Standards for Truckers (REST) Act” was introduced by U.S. Rep Brian Babin.

Here’s how the REST Act would change current Hours of Service regulations, according to a press release from Babin’s office:

The REST Act would allow drivers to take one rest break per shift, for up to three consecutive hours. The single off-duty period would not be counted toward the driver’s 14-hour, on-duty allowance and would not extent the total, allowable drive limits … The REST Act requires the Department of Transportation to update Hours of Service regulations to allow a rest break once per 14-hour duty period for up to 3 consecutive hours as long as the driver is off-duty, effectively pausing the 14-hour clock.  However, drivers would still need to log ten consecutive hours off duty before the start of their next work shift.  It would also eliminate the existing 30-minute rest break requirement.

The bill states that these changes would “allow professional drivers to rest when they feel it appropriate and avoid congestion, adverse weather conditions, or other road conditions that decrease safety.”

Babin, who has previously championed legislation to delay the ELD Mandate, says of the REST Act: “I’m proud to introduce the REST Act today and give America’s truckers the options they need to safely operate under today’s rigid federal regulations. This bill is an important step in making the way for improved highway safety. It would also eliminate the existing 30-minute rest break requirement.“