Authorities begin enforcing HOS regulations

March 9, 2004
Enforcement of the new hours-of-service (HOS) regulations began March 4 after the Department of Transportation (DOT) instructed state officials to start writing violation citations. These regulations put safety limits on the number of hours commercial drivers can work and operate trucks each day.

Enforcement of the new hours-of-service (HOS) regulations began March 4 after the Department of Transportation (DOT) instructed state officials to start writing violation citations. These regulations put safety limits on the number of hours commercial drivers can work and operate trucks each day.

Since January 4, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and state officials have led an aggressive educational enforcement program designed to teach drivers about the new rules and ensure that flagrant violations were rigorously enforced. The effort included distribution of more than a million pieces of literature, seminars with the trucking community, and thousands of phone call responses to drivers’ questions, according to DOT.

DOT will continue to monitor feedback from truckers to decide what additional education is needed. While initial feedback has been focused on compliance, anecdotal reports show the new HOS rules are contributing to added efficiency within the supply chain by encouraging shippers to load cargo more quickly, according to DOT.

The new rules represent the first major rewrite of the HOS regulations in more than 60 years.

About the Author

from staff and wire reports

Voice your opinion!

To join the conversation, and become an exclusive member of FleetOwner, create an account today!

Sponsored Recommendations

Waiting for a breakdown is costing you. Learn how smart preventive maintenance plans, accurate data, and cross-team coordination can protect your bottom line and boost profits...
Is your fleet ready for California's Clean Truck Check program? Our guide helps you navigate CARB compliance, avoid costly fines, and keep your trucks rolling. Learn how telematics...
Boost truck leasing profits with telematics insights! Reduce maintenance costs, improve uptime, and strengthen customer relationships. Learn how data drives success.
This free guide outlines simple steps for hiring and onboarding commercial drivers while ensuring that you meet Regulation Part 391 and maintain fully compliant driver qualification...