Press Releases

Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure Ranking Member Sam Graves (R-MO) and Subcommittee on Highways and Transit Ranking Member Rodney Davis (R-IL) released the following statements on today’s announcement on the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s final rule to improve hours of service rules, provide greater flexibility for truckers, and improve highway safety:

“America’s truckers have been on the front lines in fighting the coronavirus pandemic, and these regulatory improvements to help them do their jobs as effectively and safely as possible come at a critical time.  These improvements to hours of service rules won’t increase driving time, but they recognize that a one-size-fits-all approach does not give drivers the necessary flexibility to make the right decisions to safely operate their vehicles.  I applaud Secretary Chao and the Trump Administration’s continued commitment to improving the regulations in a manner that benefits workers, the flow of commerce, and the safety of our transportation system,” said Graves.

“Truck drivers have been critical during this pandemic in helping ensure food is getting to our grocery stores and other necessary goods are getting to those who need it. I applaud the administration’s decision to implement common sense changes to Hours of Service rules while maintaining the safety of our roadways. These changes are a step in the right direction as I’ve heard time and again from drivers that the rules lack flexibility on issues that don’t impact the safety of others,” said Davis.

Background Information
The improved Hours of Service rules improve safety and add flexibility in the 30-minute break rule, modify the sleeper-berth exception, modify the adverse driving conditions exception, and adjust the short-haul exception available to certain commercial drivers.  The U.S. Department of Transportation has additional information about these improvements.