Police, Industry Brace for End of HOS Soft Enforcement

Some States Say They May Extend Grace Period

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s the end of a “soft enforcement period” for new federal rules governing truck driver hours approached, law enforcement and industry officials said they were ready for fines for violations.

“States have been enforcing the rules, not necessarily issuing fines, but they are still issuing citations,” said Steve Keppler, director of policy and programs for the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance.

Todd Spencer, executive vice president of the Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association, said he knew some tickets had been written, but that overall the group was “just not hearing much about hours of service.”

Shortly before the rules went into effect Jan. 4, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration issued a 60-day moratorium on fines for anything except egregious violations.

For the full story, see the March 1 print edition of Transport Topics. Subscribe today.