The Perfect Guide to Understanding the FMCSA’s 34-hour Restart Rule
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's FMCSA 34-hour restart rule governs the maximum amount of time that a commercial truck driver may drive without taking a break. This rule is designed to ensure that drivers have enough rest time to reduce the risk of fatigue and improve safety on the roads.
The 34-hour restart rule requires drivers to take a break of at least 34 consecutive hours, during which they must have two periods from 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. included in the break. This restart break must be taken in a location that is off-duty and not in a moving vehicle.
The rule applies to commercial truck drivers who are subject to the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, and it is meant to limit the number of consecutive hours that drivers can spend on the road without taking a break. This is important because studies have shown that extended periods of driving without rest can lead to fatigue, which is a major cause of truck accidents.
Drivers must also comply with the 11-hour daily driving limit and the 14-hour daily on-duty limit as specified by the HOS regulations. The 34-hour restart rule provides drivers with the flexibility to restart their HOS clock and continue driving, but it also imposes restrictions on the frequency and conditions under which restarts can be taken.
Overall, the FMCSA's 34-hour restart rule is an important part of the federal regulations governing commercial trucking and helps to ensure the safety of drivers, passengers, and other motorists on the roads.