The FMCSA has been busy issuing Hours of Service exemption recently as the list grows for carriers hauling specific goods.   The latest is an hours of service exemption for oversize/overweight haulers.   The FMCSA has determined that all to often drives struggle with finding suitable locations to stop and comply with the regulation, often finding these drivers pulled over on the side of the road.  Sometimes this leads to a dangerous situation as these loads can extend into lanes of traffic causing accidents some with fatal consequences.

oversize overweight haulers exempt from 30 min rule

Oversize/overweight haulers are  now exempt for the 30 minute rest break clause in the current Hours of Service rules.  The 30 minute rule requires commercial driver to take a rest break of at least 30 minutes before they reach 8 hours on duty.

Oversize/Overweight haulers are exempt from the 30 minute rest break under the following conditions

  • Only drivers moving in interstate commerce are eligible for the exemption. Drivers of  loads not moving in intrastate commerce are not eligible.
  • Drivers must have a copy of the exemption document in their possession while operating under terms of the exemption, and the document must be presented to law enforcement upon request.
  • All motor carriers utilizing the exemption must have a “Satisfactory” safety rating with FMCSA, or be “unrated.” Motor carriers rated “Conditional” or “Unsatisfactory” may not utilize the exemption.
  • All motor carriers operating with the exemption must have Safety Measurement System scores under FMCSA’s intervention thresholds.
  • The exemption does not cover drivers after the oversize or overweight load has been unloaded.
  • Exemption is good until June 18, 2017

Here is a list of some new and renewed exemptions:

Bee haulers are exempt from the 30 minute rest break

  • Exemption is good until June 19, 2017

Radioactive haulers are exempt from the 30 minute rest break

  • Exemption is good until June 30, 2017

Livestock haulers are exempt from the 30 minute rest break

  • Exemption is good until June 12, 2017.

photo credit: P3230122 via photopin (license)