Hours of Service (HOS) of Drivers; Assessing the Safety Impact of the Exemption From the 14-Hour Provision of the Hours of Service Rule for Certain Pyrotechnics Operations During Independence Day Celebrations

Resumo

FMCSA requests public comment from all interested parties on the impact of the Agency's previous decision granting certain members of the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA) an exemption from the current HOS prohibition against driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) after the 14th hour of coming on duty (i.e., the 14-hour Provision), provided their drivers did not operate CMVs after accumulating 14 hours on duty. The exemption covers certain pyrotechnics carriers and drivers for a period that begins 7 days prior to Independence Day and ends 2 days immediately following that holiday. The Agency initially granted a waiver from the 14-hour Provision in 2004, and granted an exemption from the 14-hour Provision in 2005 with subsequent renewals in 2007 and 2009. FMCSA requests public comment on the safety impact of the exemption during the Independence Day periods of 2004 through 2010.