A Guide to the DOT Hours-of-Service (HOS) Revision

The DOT hours-of-service determine how long a trucker can drive during a shift. Recently, the FMCSA made changes to the HOS that may affect both carriers and fleet drivers. While these revisions went into effect in 2020, we at FMCA Filings believe they bear repeating.

Failure to comply with HOS regulations can result in lower safety scores. If your safety score suffers, you may struggle to obtain much-needed annual permits. Learn more about the HOS revisions below to ensure your fleet’s compliance.  

Changes to the DOT Hours of Service 

The DOT hours-of-service regulations protect the safety of truck drivers and other vehicles that share the road with commercial trucks. It prevents accidents and traffic violations by limiting the consecutive hours a driver can spend on the road, helping operators avoid driver fatigue. Thus, it promotes safer, more productive transportation practices for all parties involved. 

The basic structure of HOS compliance involves the following guidelines:

• Drivers may operate their commercial motor vehicle for 11 hours after a 10-hour off-duty break. 
• Drivers must take 30-minute breaks for every eight hours of driving. 
• Drivers can extend their shifts from 11 hours to 14 hours in the event they encounter adverse driving conditions. 

These stipulations apply to freight carriers; other regulations apply to passenger vehicles.

Other revisions apply to sleeper berths, breaking up overall driving time, and long-term on-duty hours. Some exceptions may also come into play depending on the surrounding circumstances.   

Who Will HOS Compliance Affect?

HOS compliance affects anyone who operates a passenger or commercial motor vehicle. Commercial motor vehicles meet the following standards:

• The vehicle weighs over 10,001 pounds, including the vehicle itself and freight. 
• The vehicle can seat nine or more passengers, including the driver, and receives service reimbursement. 
• The vehicle carries hazardous materials. 
• The vehicle can seat 16 or more passengers without service reimbursement. 

Thus, these revisions affect carriers, drivers, and any passengers seeking driving services. 

What Is HOS Compliance?

HOS compliance involves careful, detailed logging of your daily duties, breaks, and any exceptions throughout your route. The logs should accurately reflect the driver’s time on and off the road. Most carriers will supply each vehicle with an electronic logging device for accurate, secure recording keeping.  

Penalties for HOS Violations

If a driver fails to comply with HOS regulations, they and the carrier may receive penalties from the FMCSA. If you fail to comply, you may incur fines totaling $16,000—the fine increases steeply for drivers transporting hazardous material. 

Additionally, even minor HOS infractions will affect your DOT safety score. Driver scores affect carriers and future opportunities, causing a long-term impact. Ensure compliance to avoid preventable infractions that chip away at a carrier’s reputation. 

Complete Compliance Assistance with FMCA Filings

At FMCA Filings, we dedicate ourselves to informing carriers and drivers about important safety topics and regulations. Like completing a drug and alcohol program, following the DOT hours-of-service requirements is a simple way to maintain safer roadways. Learn more about how we can assist you in achieving complete compliance.