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.
Personalized for You
How does this regulation affect your finances?
Personalize government policy and PRIA will tell you what this federal register document means for your household, plus every other regulation we track. PRIA reads each provision against your financial profile to show you exactly what matters to your wallet.
Key Dates
Department and Agencies
Related Federal Register Documents
2026-08144, Administrative Rulemaking, Guidance, and Enforcement Procedures
The Department of Transportation is bringing back and improving its rules for making new policies, giving guidance, and enforcing laws. This affects anyone involved in transportation regulations, making the process clearer and more consistent. These changes kick in on May 27, 2026, aiming to save time and avoid confusion without adding extra costs.
2026-16288, English Language Proficiency; Out of Service Criteria
The FMCSA wants to make sure truck drivers who don’t speak English well enough can be taken out of service to keep roads safer. This change affects all commercial drivers and aligns rules with current safety checks, making enforcement clearer and fairer. Comments on this proposal are open until October 9, 2026, with no new costs expected for drivers or companies.
2026-15760, Agency Information Collection Activities; Renewal of an Approved Information Collection Request: Commercial Driver's License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse
The FMCSA is renewing its approval to keep running the Commercial Driver's License Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, a system that helps track drivers who test positive for drugs or alcohol. This affects nearly 10 million drivers, employers, and related groups, ensuring safety by making sure drivers complete the return-to-duty process before getting back on the road. Comments on this renewal are open until September 3, 2026, with no new fees involved.
2026-15414, Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Application for Exemption From Transit Solutions, LLC
FMCSA requests public comments on an application for exemption submitted by Transit Solutions, LLC (dba TSI Video) to allow motor carriers to operate commercial motor vehicles (CMV) equipped with TSI's ClearView E-Mirror camera monitor system (CMS) installed as an alternative to the two rear-vision mirrors required by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs). FMCSA is required by statute to publish a notice explaining each exemption request and such notice does not indicate what decision FMCSA will ultimately reach on the request. After reviewing the application, safety analyses, and public comments submitted, FMCSA will grant or deny the exemption.
2026-15430, Hours of Service (HOS) of Drivers: Precision Fireworks LLC; Application for Exemption
FMCSA requests public comment on Precision Fireworks LLC's (Precision) application for exemption from the HOS requirement that drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) must not drive following the 14th hour after coming on duty. FMCSA is required by statute to publish a notice explaining each exemption request. This notice does not indicate what decision FMCSA will ultimately reach on the request. After reviewing the application, safety analyses, and public comments submitted, FMCSA will grant or deny the exemption.
2026-15431, Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Application for Exemption Renewal From Charles Machine Works, Inc.
FMCSA withdraws its January 16, 2026, notice that requested public comment on an application from Charles Machine Works, Inc. (CMW) seeking renewal of a five-year exemption from the Agency's prohibition against the use of gravity-fed or siphon-fed fuel systems on commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). FMCSA has determined that the Agency's February 19, 2026, final rule titled "Parts and Accessories Necessary for Safe Operation; Auxiliary Fuel Tanks," provided the requested relief by amending the relevant regulation in a way that resolves the concerns outlined in CMW's original exemption request. Consequently, the exemption is now unnecessary, not only for CMW but also for any other entities that might have planned to request an exemption from the prohibition on gravity-fed or siphon-fed fuel systems on CMVs.
Previous / Next Documents
Previous: 2025-17936, Quarterly Status Report of Water Service, Repayment, and Other Water-Related Contract Actions
This report shares updates on water service contracts that affect farmers, communities, and businesses relying on water from federal projects. It covers new deals, ended agreements, and completed actions that help manage water resources and pay for project upkeep. Expect changes that could impact water availability and costs in the coming months.
Next: 2025-17940, Product Change-Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage Negotiated Service Agreements; Priority Mail and USPS Ground Advantage Negotiated Service Agreements; Priority Mail Negotiated Service Agreements
The Postal Service is asking for approval to add a new shipping deal to its list of special contracts for Priority Mail Express, Priority Mail, and USPS Ground Advantage. This means some customers could get better rates or services soon. If approved, these changes could start rolling out shortly, helping businesses save money and ship smarter.