Truckers Get Pilot Program to Pause 14-Hour Driving Limit
Published Date: 9/17/2025
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA is testing a new pilot program that lets some truck drivers pause their 14-hour driving clock for a short break between 30 minutes and 3 hours. This gives about 256 eligible drivers more flexibility to rest, avoid traffic, and handle delays without breaking the rules. The goal? To see if this change keeps roads just as safe while making truckers’ workdays better.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Pause 14‑Hour Driving Clock Option
The FMCSA will run a pilot letting certain property-carrying commercial drivers pause or extend their 14‑hour driving window by taking one off‑duty, sleeper‑berth, or on‑duty/not‑driving break of at least 30 minutes and no more than 3 hours. Participation is limited to about 256 commercial driver’s license (CDL) holders who meet the program’s eligibility rules.
Safety Study of Split Duty Option
The pilot will examine whether allowing one pause of 30 minutes to 3 hours in the 14‑hour driving window achieves a level of safety that is equivalent to or greater than current rules. The agency will test this safety outcome as part of the temporary regulatory relief.
Passenger Drivers Excluded From Pilot
The pilot applies only to drivers of property‑carrying commercial motor vehicles; drivers of passenger‑carrying commercial motor vehicles are explicitly not eligible to participate.
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