US fuel truck drivers allowed to drive up to 16 hours — The Hill
In the United States, President Donald Trump’s administration has temporarily allowed truck drivers transporting gasoline and diesel fuel to drive for up to 16 hours during a 24-hour period. The Hill reports. The relaxation will remain in effect for 90 days: it took effect on Wednesday and is set to end on December 16.
Temporary relaxation of rules
The relevant temporary exemption from the rules was issued by the US Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Under normal conditions, the limit is 14 hours. The relaxation applies to truck drivers transporting gasoline and diesel fuel who have the appropriate status, but does not apply to those with a conditional safety rating or an active out-of-service order.
Drivers must take at least one six-hour break in the truck’s sleeper berth during a 24-hour period. If the vehicle is not equipped with a separate sleeping berth, the break must last at least eight hours.
More current news is available on the UA.News Telegram channel Telegram.
Rest and accident reporting
The FMCSA also requires motor carriers to provide a driver with at least 10 consecutive hours of rest if the driver immediately needs it. In the event of an accident, the company must notify the agency within two business days.
US Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy said the administration seeks to lower fuel prices and ease short-term pressure on supply chains. According to AAA, the average price of a gallon of regular gasoline in the United States was about $4.44, while diesel fuel was approximately $6.40. In California, the average price of a gallon of diesel reached about $8.35.
