Hours of Service
FMCSA advances split-sleeper pilot data collection
· Source: Federal Register
FMCSA opened a comment period on the information collection for a proposed flexible sleeper-berth pilot involving about 256 commercial drivers. The study would compare current hours-of-service rules with additional split options, including potential 5/5 and 6/4 combinations.
Summary and practical context by RoadHouse Recruiting · Reviewed
The proposal studies flexibility and safety
FMCSA plans to collect fatigue, safety and performance data from volunteer drivers operating under current rules and more-flexible splits. The study is intended to test whether added flexibility improves working conditions while maintaining an equivalent or greater level of safety.
Current rules have not changed
The notice requests comments on data collection; it is not a final hours-of-service rule. Current sleeper-berth requirements remain in effect unless a driver is formally enrolled and operating under a pilot exemption.
Comments are due December 7
The Federal Register notice sets a December 7, 2026 deadline for comments under docket FMCSA-2026-2080. FMCSA expects the overall pilot process to extend well beyond the 16-week participant study period.
Understanding the update
This is a proposed research pilot and information-collection notice, not a change to the hours-of-service rule.
What it means for drivers and carriers
Drivers and carriers can comment on the study design, but must continue following current split-sleeper rules unless formally authorized for the pilot.
Questions to consider
- Will the pilot collect enough data across solo and team operations?
- How will FMCSA measure fatigue and safety-critical events?
- What enrollment requirements will apply to participating drivers?
Read the original reporting
This page provides an original summary and practical commentary. The linked source contains the full reporting. Older stories reflect information available on their published dates.
Read the source at Federal Register ↗ (opens in a new tab)