A Detailed Guide About The 34-hour Reset Rule For Truck Drivers!
Are you a truck driver in the US? If yes, then you must be familiar with the FMCSA’s regulations. The 34-hour reset rule is included among the regulations set by authorities. It is a rule that is applicable to truck drivers so that they can rest for a specific period. Commercial truck drivers work for many hours consecutively. Working without a break could affect driving habits. Therefore, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration implemented a rule which is known as the DOT 34-hour reset rule. Implementing this rule could have various benefits, including driver safety, reducing accident rates, and many more. Let’s first understand about this rule and how it could benefit the truck drivers.
Understanding the 34-hour reset rule & Its Importance
According to this rule, drivers must take a specific amount of time for rest or off duty before restarting their work week. The truck drivers must take a break of atleast 34 hours and take rest during this time. The rule set by the Department Of Transportation indicates that once a driver completes his 60/70 hours of work within 7-8 consecutive days must take a long break of 34 hours. Taking this break would recharge them and help them perform better.
There is a HOS limit for truck drivers, which includes:
- Driving for 11 hours per shift.
- No driving beyond the fourteenth hour of the shift in a row.
- Between shifts, take at least ten hours off.
- 30-minute breaks are necessary following eight hours of cumulative driving.
- Driving for 60 hours every seven days or for 70 hours every eight days
Why Is The Focus On 34 Hours?
Thirty-four hours might seem an ordinary number to you, but FMCSA understood the need for a specific time for off-duty. They selected 34 hours for the truck drivers because once a driver works for 60-70 hours surely needs a break. Taking rest while being off duty for less than 34 hours is not enough. Sometimes, drivers get exhausted from working such a long time duration. They must take 34 hours break for rest. It would improve their mental health accident rate and reduce fatigue. Here, the four hours of service status includes:
- When the driver is not on duty, they are off duty.
- Sleeper berth, when the driver is taking a rest in their cab.
- On duty, when the driver is not diving because of unloading, inspecting, and fueling.
- While the diver is operating a motor vehicle.
What Are The Pros Of The 34-Hour Reset Rule?
There are various benefits to the DOT 34-hour reset rule 2017. These benefits are helpful for trucking companies in the US.
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1. Improve Well-being
Truck driving is undoubtedly a challenging task. The driver sitting behind the wheels might face physical and mental challenges which could impact their work. Sometimes, it results in exhaustion and fatigue. Therefore, to reduce these issues, taking a break could improve work performance.
2. Improve Productivity
The truck drivers could improve their productivity by taking a break. They could start their work week with better mental and physical health. It would reduce the chances of HOS violation, and drivers could perform better.
3. Reduce Accidents
Undoubtedly, accident rates are increasing. The reason behind this increasing accident rate is fatigue because of long driving shifts. Consecutive driving causes fatigue and restlessness. It results in accidents and even takes your driver’s precious life.
4. Improve Alertness
The new FMCSA 34-hour reset rules are beneficial for trucking companies and drivers. Starting a new work week after taking this 34-hour rest would improve the ability of the driver to respond the emergencies instantly. It improves overall driving performance, and the drivers could better stay alert.
5. Compliance With FMCSA
When a truck driver follows the DOT hours of service, it reduces the chances of penalties. Sticking to these regulations could improve driving performance and ensure legal operations or fines.
Things To Avoid While Taking The 34-Hour Break
There are some important tips that a truck driver should not forget while taking the 34-hour restart.
- Firstly, take this reset time seriously. Don’t underestimate it because it is the time for you to reduce fatigue and stress.
- Ensure you take care of your health during this reset time. Recharging your body with healthy food and hydration is mandatory.
- The physical fitness of truck drivers is necessary. Although it is a resting time, indulging in physical activities will keep you active and healthy.
- Don’t avoid the HOS rules. Ensure you follow the DOT regulations which would help to reduce penalties and fines.
Summing Up!
A 34-hour reset might be clear here. Mux Tech is here to help you record your driver status, which will ensure compliance with regulations. Sticking to the rules of DOT would reduce fines and penalties. The FMCSA implemented the 34-hour regulation in 2013, which limited truck drivers to restarting every 168 hours. In 2015, the new 34-hour reset rule was implemented after this one was suspended. Make your truck driver’s performance better and record their HOS with a better fleet management system. Our ELD software and solutions help to record the HOS of drivers. It ensures the total working hours of drivers, idle time, and stop points. Let’s streamline the fleet operations of trucking companies with a 34-hour restart rule.
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FAQ's
Following the 34-hour reset rule is not mandatory. Truck drivers can follow this rule to reset their weekly driving limit under the HOS regulation. You can follow the 60-70 hours of work, which is a HOS limit.
FMCSA initiated this rule, according to which thirty-four hours off duty is necessary to restart a new workweek after working for 60/70 hours per week.