Hours of Service of Drivers: Pilot Program to Allow Commercial Drivers to Split Sleeper Berth Time
Summary
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration is proposing to allow truck drivers to split their required sleep time into two separate periods instead of taking one continuous break. This pilot program aims to give drivers more flexibility in managing their rest schedules while still maintaining safety standards on the road.
Key Points
- 1Truck drivers could split their mandatory 10-hour rest period into two shorter breaks (for example, 5 hours + 5 hours) instead of sleeping all at once
- 2The change applies only to a pilot program, meaning it will be tested for a limited time before deciding whether to make it permanent
- 3The goal is to help drivers manage fatigue better and potentially reduce accidents by allowing rest schedules that fit their natural sleep patterns
- 4Public comment period runs until November 18, 2025, allowing drivers, trucking companies, and safety advocates to share their views
- 5The regulation only affects commercial truck drivers subject to federal hours-of-service rules, not regular drivers
Key Dates
September 17, 2025
This summary is for informational purposes only. It may not capture all nuances of the regulation. Always refer to the official text for authoritative information.
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