New HOS Rules Take Effect July 1, 2013

Are you ready for the new Hours of Service changes taking effect on July 1, 2013? Many companies still need to train their drivers and dispatchers on the changes coming in just a few short weeks. Please make plans to educate your drivers and staff:

34 Hour Restart - Must include two periods from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m., and may only be used once per week (168 hours).

Rest Breaks - May drive only if 8 hours or less have passed since the end of the driver's last off-duty or sleeper-berth period of at least 30 minutes.

On-Duty Time - Does not include time resting in a parked vehicle. For team drivers, does not include up to 2 hours riding in the passenger seat immediately before or after 8 hours in the sleeper-berth.

Penalties - Driving, or allowing to drive, more than 3 hours beyond the driving time limit may be considered an "egregious" violation and subject to maximum civil penalties to driver and company.

The FMCSA has created a Visor Card to help drivers with the changes. Please print on card stock and distribute to your drivers and staff. A copy of the FMCSA Hours of Service Visor Card can be obtained here.