Railroads Get Four-Month Pass on Driver Hour Rules
Published Date: 6/24/2026
Notice
Summary
The FMCSA is giving railroads a temporary 4-month pass to ignore some strict driving hour limits so their workers can handle unexpected events outside normal shifts. This affects railroad employees who drive and helps keep trains running smoothly without breaking the usual 14-hour and weekly hour rules. The exemption starts June 19, 2026, and costs or long delays are avoided while the FMCSA reviews a longer 5-year renewal request.
Analyzed Economic Effects
3 provisions identified: 1 benefits, 1 costs, 1 mixed.
Four‑Month HOS Exemption for Railroad Drivers
From June 19, 2026 through October 19, 2026, FMCSA provisionally renews an exemption allowing employees of member railroads driving commercial motor vehicles to respond to unplanned events. Under the exemption the 14‑hour limit may be extended up to 17 hours, driving time remains capped at 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off‑duty, the 60‑hour/70‑hour weekly limits may be extended by up to 6 hours, and drivers may not travel more than 300 air miles from their normal reporting location.
Exemption Applies Only to Specified Unplanned Events
The exemption only applies when railroad employees are driving to the site of specified unplanned events, including derailments, rail failures or dangerous track conditions, track occupancy lights, propulsion system disruptions, bridge strikes, disabled vehicles on tracks, train collisions, weather‑ and storm‑related events (like fallen trees, snow, extreme temperatures, rock/mudslides, washouts, earthquakes), and matters concerning national security or public safety such as blocked grade crossings.
Mandatory Fatigue Training Before Operating Under Exemption
Drivers must complete the North American Fatigue Management Program (NAFMP) Driver Education Module 3 and the Driver Sleep Disorders and Management Module 7 before operating under the exemption; railroads may direct drivers to the Federal Railroad Administration's "Railroaders' Guide to Healthy Sleep" if NAFMP is unavailable.
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