The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is preparing to petition the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to limit truck drivers’ use of personal conveyance time, citing rising misuse that may contribute to unsafe driving conditions. Backed by data from more than 41,000 roadside inspections, CVSA proposes capping personal conveyance use at two hours per calendar day, a move they say will improve safety and reduce loophole abuse.
According to CVSA, 38% of drivers were found to be misusing the personal conveyance provision—an alarming figure that has prompted the organization to advocate for tighter rules. Personal conveyance refers to time when a truck driver moves their commercial motor vehicle (CMV) for personal reasons, not related to work, such as getting food or lodging during off-duty hours. However, many drivers are reportedly using this time to illegally extend their hours of service (HOS) and continue hauling loads, violating federal regulations.
Adrienne Gildea, CVSA’s deputy executive director, explained that the misuse often stems from a lack of clear guidance. “This provision is intended to allow drivers to do personal errands, not to extend their drive time for business,” she said. The organization believes that adding a time cap and refining definitions around what qualifies as personal conveyance will discourage manipulation and clarify enforcement.
CVSA’s data also revealed that drivers misusing conveyance time are four times more likely to be involved in crashes and face higher out-of-service rates. In response, the upcoming petition will include not only the two-hour limit but several additional recommendations for FMCSA:
- Prohibit time spent in personal conveyance from being classified as “off-duty.”
- Provide written guidance stating drivers cannot use personal conveyance to reach a “safe haven” after hitting their HOS limits.
- Clarify what constitutes “enhancing operational readiness.”
- Specify that owner-operators cannot use personal conveyance to travel to or from home for business purposes.
- Define “yard move” and draw clearer lines between personal use and personal conveyance.
This isn’t CVSA’s first attempt to address the issue. Two previous efforts to persuade FMCSA to update guidance were unsuccessful. However, the alliance believes their new data-backed proposal stands a stronger chance, especially as concerns over driver fatigue and regulatory loopholes continue to grow.
Examples of acceptable personal conveyance include traveling for food, lodging, or entertainment during off-duty time, or moving a CMV at the direction of law enforcement. Misuse, on the other hand, includes continuing business-related trips under the guise of personal conveyance or picking up new cargo.
CVSA’s initiative highlights the increasing need for tighter regulation in an industry where safety and compliance are paramount. With their petition expected soon, FMCSA may be compelled to finally revisit and revise the rules to close dangerous gaps in enforcement.
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