WASHINGTON, D.C. – A recently proposed bill in the U.S. would allow truck drivers to effectively pause their 14-hour on-duty limits for up to three consecutive hours – as long as they are off-duty during the break.

“I’m proud to introduce the REST Act and give America’s truckers the options they need to safely operate under today’s rigid federal regulations,” said Rep. Brian Babin, a member of the U.S. House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee. “This bill is an important step in making the way for improved highway safety.”

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, those running in the U.S. can’t drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on-duty, following 10 consecutive hours of off-duty time.  

As reported by Heavy Duty Trucking Magazine, Babin says the legislation would effectively modernize hours of service regulations.

The REST Act calls for a single off-duty rest period that would not be counted toward the driver’s 14-hour on-duty allowance, nor would it extend the total allowable drive time.  

Drivers would still need to log 10 consecutive hours of off-duty time before starting their next shift.