BREAKING: 34-Hour Restart Rule Suspended

Late last night, President Barack Obama signed the $1.1 trillion spending bill passed by Congress that includes language to suspend the current 34-hour restart provision of the hours-of-service rule.

Obama’s signature means—effective immediately—the industry will return to the restart provision in place prior to the July 2013 changes; allowing a driver to take as many restarts as he or she chooses during a work week and does not require that a restart include two consecutive 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. time periods.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is expected to prepare a notice for the Federal Register that will explain ramifications of Obama’s action with respect to commercial vehicle enforcement.

The Texas trucking industry and TXTA thank Congress, particularly Sen. Susan Collins (R-Maine), for the commonsense fix to these two unjustified provisions of the current hours-of-service restart rules in this year’s omnibus spending bill.

Thank you, also, to TXTA members for your help notifying our Congressional delegation. Your involvement made a difference and our voice has been heard!