Understanding the FMCSA 16-hour rule: A complete guide for short-haul fleets

Key Takeaways

The FMCSA 16-hour rule allows qualifying short-haul drivers to extend their workday from 14 to 16 hours once every seven days. To use this exception, drivers must start and end at the same location, have 10 consecutive hours off duty between shifts, and not drive more than 11 hours in the 16-hour driving window. This flexibility helps short-haul operations, guided by FMCSA short-haul rules, manage occasional schedule disruptions while staying aligned with driver fatigue regulations and maintaining safety standards.