The Owner Operator Independent Driver Association is pushing for an update to the current Hours Of Service rules that would allow truckers to pause their 14 hour clocks for up to three consecutive hours.

As they stand today, the current Hours of Service rules force a truck driver to take one 30 minute break within the first 8 hours of the work day, but do not allow truckers to stop the running 14 hour clock during this break.

The petition, submitted to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, which describes the current Hours of Service regulations as ‘jeopardizing safety,” and “overly complex,” states that “there are many operational situations where the 30-minute rest break requires drivers to stop when they simply do not need to,” and that the current Hours of Service rules “provide no flexibility and in no way reflect the physical capabilities or limitations of individual drivers. They force drivers to be on the road when they are tired or fatigued, during busy travel times and adverse weather and road conditions.”

However, under the OOIDA’s proposal, truckers would no longer be required to take the 30 minute break in the first 8 hours, and would be able to pause the 14 hour clock for up to three consecutive hours, allowing for an extended break that doesn’t cut into potential work time. Under the new petition, drivers would still be required to take 10 off-duty hours in a row before beginning their next shift.

OOIDA believes that, if enacted, this update to the HOS regulations would “improve highway safety,” and “foster safe driving habits,” according to Land Line Mag, the official publication of the OOIDA.

“Current HOS regulations force truckers to comply with a regulatory framework that jeopardizes their safety and the safety of the traveling public. The federal HOS should foster safe driving habits, not prevent them,” the petition states.

“We believe DOT has regulatory authority to docket our petition, initiate a rulemaking, and amend the federal HOS. On behalf of our members, we urge you to do the right thing.”