Authorities in Ohio have elected to suspend Hours of Service (HOS) regulations in light of the Coronavirus crisis.
On March 13, the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio announced that HOS would be suspended for motor carriers providing intrastate transportation of relief supplies — including consumer goods and medical supplies — as part of the Coronavirus/COVID-19 response.
From the HOS suspension declaration: “Unless otherwise directed, drivers must keep a written or electronic copy of this notice in each vehicle affected by this grant of regulatory relief. This regulatory relief will not apply to vehicles that do not have a copy of this notice.”
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio says that the HOS suspension does not alter a motor carrier’s duty to monitor its drivers, maintain records of duty status, and ensure drivers are not ill, fatigued, impaired, or otherwise unable to operate a commercial motor vehicle safely. Drivers are still required to comply with licensing requirements, drug and alcohol use and testing requirements, and insurance requirements.
The HOS suspension is in place now through 11:59 PM, March 27, 2020.
The Public Utilities Commission of Ohio points to Rule 4901:2-5-05(A) of the Ohio Administrative Code which they say gives them the authority to suspend HOS for motor carriers operating intrastate in a time of emergency.
You can click here to view or print out the HOS suspension declaration.
