FREE TRIAL UPGRADE!
Thank you for investing in EnvironmentalHazmatHuman ResourcesHuman Resources, Hazmat & Environmental related content. Click 'UPGRADE' to continue.
CANCEL
YOU'RE ALL SET!
Enjoy your limited-time access to the Compliance Network!
A confirmation welcome email has been sent to your email address from ComplianceNetwork@t.jjkellercompliancenetwork.com. Please check your spam/junk folder if you can't find it in your inbox.
YOU'RE ALL SET!
Thank you for your interest in EnvironmentalHazmatHuman ResourcesHuman Resources, Hazmat & Environmental related content.
WHOOPS!
You've reached your limit of free access, if you'd like more info, please contact us at 800-327-6868.
CLOSE
 
 

...

Mandatory break

RegSenseezExplanation30-minute break ruleFleet SafetyFederal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), DOTHours of ServiceTransportationBest ResultsEnglishFocus AreaUSA

The purpose of the hours-of-service regulations, including the mandatory break provision, is to keep fatigued drivers off the road.

Scope

This requirement applies to drivers and motor carriers operating property-carrying commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce.

Regulatory citations

Key definitions

  • Commercial motor vehicle (CMV): A self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway, in interstate commerce, that meets any one of the following criteria:
    • Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR), or gross vehicle weight (GVW) or gross combination weight (GCW), of 10,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater; or
    • Is transporting hazardous materials of a type or quantity which requires placarding.

Summary of requirements

Drivers of property-carrying CMVs are prohibited from driving for more than 8 hours without taking a 30-minute break from driving.

This interruption in driving status must be at least 30 consecutive minutes long and can be satisfied with either off-duty, sleeper-berth, or on-duty (not driving) time or any combination of those. For example, a driver who stops for 15 minutes to fuel the truck (on duty/not driving) and then spends 15 minutes getting lunch (off duty) has met the requirement for a break.

The intent is to get drivers out from behind the wheel before they exceed 8 hours of (nearly uninterrupted) driving.

Keep in mind:

  • The break counts against the driver’s 14-hour limit.
  • Drivers do not have to wait until 8 hours of driving are complete before taking the break. Whenever a driver has at least 30 minutes away from driving, the 8-hour limit is reset.
  • Drivers are not required to enter any special notes on their logs to specify when they took a break from driving, even if they have multiple 30-minute breaks.

Exceptions: There are exceptions to this requirement for certain industries and operations.

  • Short-haul provisions. Drivers who qualify for either of the short-haul exceptions in 395.1(e) are not required to comply with the mandatory break provision.
  • Commercial bee transport. Drivers engaged in interstate transportation of bees by CMV are not required to comply with the mandatory break provision when bees are on the vehicle.
  • Livestock transport. Drivers engaged in interstate transportation of livestock by CMV are not required to comply with the mandatory break provision when livestock are on the vehicle.
['Hours of Service']
['30-minute break rule']
UPGRADE TO CONTINUE READING
Load More