Counting the Hours

Compliance with the older Hours rules-not substantially revised since 1939-will continue through the end of the year. Compliance with the new rules will be required on January 4, 2004.

Here's a comparison of three of the old rules with the new:

• Old - Drivers may drive for 10 hours, following 8 hours off-duty. New - Drivers may drive 11 hours, following 10 off-duty hours.
• Old - Drivers may not drive after 15 on-duty hours following 8 off-duty hours. New - Drivers may not drive beyond the 14th hour after coming on-duty following 10 off-duty hours.
• Old - Drivers may not drive after 60/70 on-duty hours in 7/8 consecutive days. New - Drivers may not drive after 60/70 on-duty hours in 7/8 consecutive days.

Rules governing the driver's daily log remain unchanged.

In terms of fact-finding, the Administration held eight public hearings, three roundtable sessions, and reviewed 53,000 written comments.

To learn more, visit www.fmcsa.dot.gov.