2004 Hours of Service Regulations
Effective January 4th, 2004
Hours of service regulations have not been revised since 1939. However on January 4, 2004, the
new federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Hours of Service will take effect.
The new regulations significantly impact all aspects of driving times.
Specifically, the new rules increase driving and rest times while prohibiting
driving after the end of 14 consecutive hours on duty time. That means the new
rules will have a significant impact on loading, unloading, meal breaks,
sleeper berth, and on duty not driving times. Unlike the old 15-hour rule, the
new 14-hour on-duty rule does not allow off-duty time, including meal breaks,
to extend an operator's workday. In other words, once the 14-hour rule workday
began, following a 10 consecutive off-duty period, all non-driving time will
impact the delivery time.
In most cases, all of the time spent waiting to load, or unload, will
significantly affect an operator's ability to continue with a timely delivery.
Dallas Mavis is committed to strict compliance with all state and federal
regulations including these new Hours of Service rules. To help facilitate a
smooth transition and ensure on-time delivery for us all, we are asking all of
our customers to review their loading/unloading procedures, including all
waiting times. Below are some examples that could most impact transit times:
- Excessive time loading/unloading
- Multiple stops
- Live load/unload
- Any delays in loading/unloading
The Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations require all motor carriers
and operators to follow the hours of service requirements. Hours of service
procedures will help avoid DOT penalties and reduce fatigue. If you have any
questions, please contact Joe Lindsley in the Safety Department 888-878-2504
ext 6139.
Compliance - 2004 Hours of Service (Logs)
Review the following exapmles for more detailed explanations of the new rules.
Old vs. New Rules
11 Hour Driving Time Rule
14 Hour On-Duty Rule
Sleeper Berth
70 Hour Rule
Old Rules vs. New Rules
Old Rules - All CMV Drivers May Not Drive:
- More than 10 hours, following 8 hours off-duty.
- After 15 hours on-duty, following 8 hours off-duty.
- After 60/70 hours on-duty in 7/8 consecutive days.
- May not reset your 60/70 hour clock.
New Rules - Property-Carrying CMV Drivers May Not Drive:
- More than 11 hours, following 10 hours off-duty.
- Beyond the 14th hour after coming on-duty, following 10 hours off-duty.
- After 60/70 hours on-duty in 7/8 consecutive days.
- May reset your 60/70 hour clock after having 34 consecutive hours off-duty.
11 Hour Driving Time Rule
In accordance with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations Hours of Service a
driver cannot drive for more than 11 hours following 10 consecutive hours off
duty. All time spent at the driving controls of a commercial motor vehicle is
considered driving time. Under the old rule, you were allowed to drive for 10
hours with 8 hours off.
Old : 8 Hours Off - 10 Hours Driving
New : 10 Hours Off - 11 Hours Driving
14 Hour On Duty Rule
An operator cannot drive after the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
After the 14th hour, an operator cannot drive again until he/she has 10
consecutive hours of rest. Unlike the old 15-hour rule, the new 14-hour on duty
does not allow off duty time to extend the workday. In other words, your 14-
hour workday begins whenever you start an on duty function (line 3 or 4). Once
you have started your workday, you cannot drive beyond the 14th hour.
Old 15 Hour Rule : Total = 9.25 Hours On Duty - No Violation
New 14 Hour Rule : Total 15.25 Hours On Duty - Violation would occur once driving began at 11 pm.
Sleeper Berth Rule
Sleeper berth may still be divided to extend your 14 hour work day, however,
all off duty time (line1), driving time (line 3) and on duty time (line 4)
immediately before and after each sleeper berth, will be added as part of your
14 hour workday. Again, once you reach the 14th hour you cannot drive.
When dividing sleeper berth, you must divide in two sections, both sections
must be at least 2 hours or greater. Both sleeper berths added together must
total at least 10 hours.
As in the past, you may also use sleeper berth consecutively to fulfill your
rest. However, you will be required to rest for ten hours.
You will be able to use sleeper berth and off duty for your rest as long as the
two periods are consecutive. You cannot divide sleeper berth with off duty for
your required rest period.
Under the new rule, a single sleeper berth will not extend your workday.
Old 15 Hour Rule : Total = 9.25 Hours On Duty - No Violation
New 14 Hour Rule : Total 15.25 Hours On Duty - Violation would occur once driving began at 11 pm.
70 Hour Rule
As in the old rule, you may not drive after being on duty more than 70 hours in
8 days. Once you start your workday (line 3 or 4), you must include any off
duty time as part of your workday. However, as in the past, this off duty time
will not be included in your 70-hour rule.
The new rule allows you to restart your 70 hours after 34 consecutive hours off duty.
Return to Safety Documents page.