Source: 12-2-10 Hours Proposal Coming

Long-haul truck drivers would be limited by new federal rules to 12 hours of driving and monitored by mandatory electronic recorders, according to a well-placed Transportation Department source.

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Revisions to the commercial driver hours-of-service rules, which are being reviewed by the White House's Office of Management and Budget, will also mandate – again, for long-haul truckers – 10 consecutive hours of rest and two hours' worth of rest breaks, which must be taken in half-hour increments, the official said.

"Most likely, the regulation that comes back [from OMB] will closely resemble" the proposal that DOT sent there Dec. 3, the source said.

In addition to the 12-2-10 driving limits and mandatory recorders, the official said the proposal includes a clock reset feature, which would be available only after a driver has taken off two straight midnight-to-6:00 a.m. periods. Drivers would also be allowed some flexibility in averaging their hours among weeks.

"I hate to dignify any rumor with a comment, but if these were the kinds of rules that came out, I think there would be a substantial hue and cry from the industry," said John McQuaid, president of the National Private Truck Council.

Trucking sought a 14-10 rule for on-duty and off-duty time based on "sound science."

Once the proposal emerges from OMB, interested parties will have the chance to comment on it before a final rule is published.