FMCSA Personal Conveyance Rule: Understanding the New Guidelines

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has introduced a new rule regarding personal conveyance, providing more flexibility for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers to use their vehicles for off-duty purposes without being logged as on-duty. The revised guideline aims to ensure that drivers are not fatigued while operating their CMVs and can take necessary breaks to rest and recover.

Under the new rule, time spent traveling to a nearby, reasonable, safe location to obtain required rest after loading or unloading is considered personal conveyance. This includes commuting between the driver's terminal and residence, trailer-drop lots and residence, and work sites and residence. Additionally, time spent traveling from an en route lodging facility to restaurants and entertainment facilities is also allowed.

However, the FMCSA emphasizes that a move must be purely personal with no benefit to the business for it to qualify as personal conveyance. Any move benefiting the business, such as moving closer to the next pickup or delivery, would require logging on-duty. The rule also requires drivers to consider their condition and whether they are ill or fatigued before engaging in personal conveyance.

Enforcement of the new rule will focus on at least four primary points: the driver's intent, whether the move is purely personal, the driver's condition, and whether the driver has been released from duty. The FMCSA guidance on personal conveyance provides additional flexibility for fleets that choose to allow their drivers to utilize off-duty driving or personal conveyance.

In conclusion, the revised FMCSA personal conveyance rule aims to strike a balance between providing drivers with more flexibility and ensuring their safety and well-being while operating CMVs. Fleets and drivers must understand these guidelines to ensure compliance and avoid potential penalties.

Fmcsa personal conveyance rule