30-Minute Rest Break Exemption

30 Minute Rest Break Exemption.pdf

On April 9, 2018 (83 FR 15221) the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced its decision to grant the application of the National Tank Truck Carriers, Inc. (NTTC) and the Massachusetts Motor Transport Association, Inc. (MMTA) for an exemption from the requirement that drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) obtain a 30-minute rest break.  The exemption is limited to CMV drivers engaged in the transportation of specified types of petroleum-based fuels who would otherwise have to observe the rest break when their duty day unexpectedly exceeds 12 hours.  While the exemption will allow these drivers to operate beyond the 12th hour, they will still have to complete their duty day before the 14-hour limit by which most CMV drivers are governed.  In addition, these drivers will be required to maintain an HOS log in accordance with 49 CFR part 395, as required of all CMV drivers who find during a duty day that they are not qualified for the 100 air-mile radius exception and have a copy of this exemption document in their possession while operating under the terms of the exemption and must present it to law enforcement officials upon request.  The exemption is effective April 9, 2018 and expires on April 10, 2023.