US Truckers Limited to 11 Hours Behind Wheel

The nation's 3.5 million commercial truck drivers will be allowed to drive no more than 11 hours in a single day, under a new federal regulation adopted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.

The agency issued the rule only after "exhaustive scientific review," in order to "ensure truck drivers get the necessary rest to perform safe operations and the quality of life they deserve."

Under the new rule, drivers will be required to rest for at least 10 hours between driving shifts and will not be allowed to drive if they have worked more than 60 hours in a given week.

"These rules are crafted to match what we know about drivers' circadian rhythms and the real world work environment truckers face every day," said agency administrator John Hill in a press release.

In July 2008, the Government Accountability Office released the results of an investigation showing that many active U.S. truckers continue to drive despite suffering from medical conditions serious enough to qualify them for full federal disability benefits.

Photo: Samuel Aranda/Getty Images

Also See:
Many Truckers Driving with Health Risks, GAO Reports
DOT Proposes Driver Training Rule for Truckers
About Federal Regulations: Laws Behind the Acts