Understanding Hours of Service (HOS) Rules for Passenger-Carrying Commercial Motor Vehicles
In a previous article post, we covered the essential facts about Hours of Service (HOS) regulations for passenger-carrying commercial motor vehicles (CMVs).
On-Duty Time
What is considered “on-duty” time?
On-duty time encompasses any time for which you receive compensation, mirroring the rules for property-carrying CMVs. This includes:
- Fueling the vehicle.
- Performing pre- and post-trip inspections.
- Waiting at a motor carrier’s facility, terminal, or on public property to be dispatched, unless relieved of duty.
- Inspecting, servicing, or conditioning the truck, including fueling and washing.
- All driving time.
- All time spent at or in the commercial motor vehicle, except for specific exceptions.
- Loading, unloading, supervising, attending the truck, or handling paperwork for shipments.
- Dealing with breakdowns.
- Providing samples for drug and alcohol testing.
- Performing any other work for a motor carrier, including training and driving a company car.
- Engaging in paid work for entities other than motor carriers (e.g., part-time jobs).
In essence, on-duty time encompasses all work, whether paid or not, for a motor carrier or any other entity. You can find the detailed definition of on-duty time in Section 395.2.
Travel Time
What is “Travel Time?”
Travel time refers to the time spent being transported to a new location as part of your job without performing any driving during the trip. Any travel time directed by your motor carrier is considered on-duty time. However, if you take at least 8 consecutive hours off duty upon arrival at your destination, you can count all the time, including travel time, as off-duty.
If you’re ready to explore these topics further and deepen your knowledge, visit our article here to take your understanding of HOS regulations to new heights!
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