FMCSA is now accepting comments on 14 hour driving window ‘pause’

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is now accepting public comments on a pilot program that could lead to changes in Hours of Service (HOS) regulations.

On August 28, FMCSA announced plans to seek public comment on a pilot program that will allow participating drivers to take one off-duty break of at least 30 minutes, but not more than three hours, that would pause a truck driver’s 14-hour driving window, provided the driver takes 10 consecutive hours off-duty at the end of the work shift. The pilot program would only be open to select CDL holder and would last no more than three years.

The pilot program proposal was officially published in the Federal Register on September 3, meaning that the public comment period is now open. Comments must be submitted on or before November 2, 2020.

“FMCSA wants to hear directly from drivers about the possibility and safety of an hours-of-service pause pilot program. The Agency remains committed to exploring ways to improve safety on our roadways, while increasing flexibility for truckers. We encourage drivers, motor carriers, and interested citizens to review the proposed pilot program and provide substantive public comments for FMCSA to review,” said former FMCSA Deputy Administrator Jim Mullen.

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