The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is launching two pilot programs aimed at giving truck drivers more control over their rest and driving windows. The goal is to study whether allowing more flexibility can reduce fatigue and improve safety without sacrificing performance.
Source: U.S. Department of Transportation
What the Two Pilot Programs Will Test
- Split Duty Period Pilot
- Under this pilot, drivers will be able to pause their 14-hour on-duty (driving) window for a period between 30 minutes and three hours.
- The idea is to find out if this kind of pause helps drivers rest well enough to avoid fatigue, while still preserving safety levels.
- Flexible Sleeper Berth Pilot
- This experiment will test new split-options for the required ten-hour off-duty rest period in the sleeper berth. Instead of the current “8/2” or “7/3” splits, FMCSA aims to explore whether drivers might split that rest into “6/4” or “5/5” configurations.
- The study will assess how different split options affect fatigue, driver wellbeing, and overall safety.
Participation & Timeline
- More than 500 commercial drivers are expected to be part of the trials.
- Protocols and detailed study guidelines are scheduled to begin in early 2026.
Why This Matters
These pilots respond to longstanding concerns among drivers and driver organizations about rigid hours-of-service (HOS) rules. Many say current rules force them to drive or rest in ways that don’t match real fatigue cycles.
Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) has pushed for flexibility, such as pausing the clock on the driving window and more options for sleeper berth splits. The pilots reflect those ideas.
What the Government Says
“Truck drivers are the backbone of our economy, and we owe it to them to explore smarter, data-driven policies that make their jobs safer and more enjoyable,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean P. Duffy. “These pilot programs will help identify real solutions for America’s drivers without compromising safety.”
What Drivers Can Watch For
If you’re a trucker, these pilots could mean potential changes in how you schedule rest periods and manage your driving windows in the future. Stay tuned for how the pilots are set up and whether you’re eligible. Knowing the rules ahead of time can help you plan your trips, rest, and compliance accordingly.
Sources: Truckers News
