Since new rules by FMCSA have been implemented, drivers now have flexibility to split their sleep two separate rest periods i.e.- 7 and 3 or 8 and 2 hours. At least 7 consecutive hours should be in sleep and at least 2 consecutive hours could be either in off duty or sleeper berth. When combined these two rest periods should equalize to at least 10 hours.

Split sleep is only to use leftover hours not to gain shift reset.

For example:

1. A driver drove 11 hours (maximum driving hours) then took 7 consecutive hours of sleep. The driver will not gain back any hours here as he has used his maximum allowed driving hours. To gain the driving hours back the driver needs to take 10 consecutive hours off.

2. A driver drove 9 hours then took 7 consecutive hours of sleep. After this consecutive sleep period the driver will have 2 hours of driving, unused balanced from maximum driving hours

Remaining driving balance = Maximum hours – hours used before off period
11 hours – 9 hours = 2 hours

After driving his/her remaining driving balance the driver needs to take his second break period of 3 consecutive hours in sleep or off duty to regain his/her driving hours.

3. Continuing example 2 to calculate driving balance after second rest period – 3 hours.
After driving the remaining 2 hours the driver took 3 hours off. The driver will only gain 9 hours of driving hours, his/her remaining balance but not shift reset. As the 10 hours off duty is split so will be shift hours.

Remaining driving balance = Maximum hours – hours used between two off period
11 hours – 2 hours =9 hours

*Neither of these off periods will be counted against the 14-hour driving window.

 

Disclaimer- The rules and regulations are subject to change any time. Readers must verify with the authority, FMCSA / MTO and must not rely on the contents of this blog.