FMCSA Adverse Driving Condition Explained

As a trucker, encountering adverse driving conditions forces you to pull off the road and wait until the condition ceases. However, the FMCSA adverse driving condition regulations have some exceptions that may allow you more flexibility during your hours of service (HOS). As a knowledgeable filings service provider, FMCA Filings has extensive experience with various regulations, including unified carrier registration intrastate and adverse driving condition specifics. 

Delve into the details below to gain a better grasp of how adverse conditions affect you. 

The Basics of HOS Rules

According to the hours-of-service regulation, a trucking shift can last a maximum of 14 hours. During this time, you can drive for up to 11 hours before making a stop. You must carefully record your duties and how you used your duty limits with an electronic device or application. 

During your commute, you may encounter emergency conditions such as severe weather events, natural disasters, and traffic events. If such events occur, you may apply the adverse driving conditions exception. Commercial drivers can use this exception in different ways. 

The FMCSA Adverse Driving Condition Exceptions

The FMCSA adverse driving condition exception states that you can increase your shift by two hours when extenuating circumstances develop that may slow your drive time. These circumstances may include the following:

• Icy roads
• Wildfires
• Excessive fog that hinders your sight
• Heavy precipitation like sleet or snow
• Unusual or dangerous traffic conditions

These issues may hinder your route or prevent you from reaching a safe stopping point. 

If you need to use an adverse driving condition exception, you can increase your shift from 14 hours to 16 hours. The two extra hours will bring your allotted driving time to 13 hours. This allowance ensures commercial drivers can reach their destinations without endangering themselves and others. 

How to Use the Exceptions

To use your exceptions, use your electronic device to log pertinent information about your circumstances. This information may include:

• The condition you encountered
• Notification to your carrier about your circumstances
• Specific details about the event and your decision
• The date, time, and location 

You can use these exceptions as often as needed, but you cannot apply them to foreseen or predicted circumstances. You also cannot use them to prolong a regular shift. The exceptions only apply to sudden, unpredictable conditions. 

Other Pertinent Information About Adverse Driving Conditions

Adverse driving conditions come with other regulations to prevent drivers from taking advantage of them. For example, you might experience an unexpected one-hour delay. In this case, you may not employ an exception. Exceptions must cause a delay that lasts two hours or more. 

Additionally, exceptions do not apply to delivery or unloading failings. If you arrive at your location and wait longer than scheduled due to unloading issues, you cannot use an exception to aid your next route.  

FMCA Filings Helps You Stay in Compliance

The FMCSA adverse driving condition exception might appear complex at first. However, your familiarity with them will grow, informing how and when you use them. Learn other essential trucking information from FMCA Filings, like which trucks need an annual inspection. 

Contact us to speak with a representative.