30 minute break & COVID-19 Emergency Exemptions & Waivers

Does the FMCSA's COVID-19 Emergency Exemptions & Waivers override the 30-minute break rule?

From the FMCSA Exemption: The latest extension continues to offer relief from the hours-of-service limits in 49 CFR 395.3. This means eligible drivers are not required to have a minimum amount of rest and may drive after the normal 11-hour driving limit, 14-hour duty limit, and/or 60/70-hour weekly limit. They must be in compliance, however, with all other federal safety requirements related to driver qualification, vehicle inspections and maintenance, drug and alcohol testing, licensing, cargo securement, etc. They also must log their time as they normally would, whether using paper logs, electronic logs, or short-haul time records.

The above specifically mentions the 11/14/60 or 70 limits. It's silent on the 30 minute rule. 49 CFR 395.3 is the HOS regulation.The loads are definitely exempt based on freight content and the shipper/receiver.

Unrelated questions: If you are using the Big Day exception, or otherwise driving beyond one of the other limits, stopping to take a 30 minute break can increase the length by which you exceed the normal limits. I assume it's better to take the 30 minute break if it is necessary than not take it and add that violation to whatever length of another violation?

 

Yes. My past company and some of their customers are using the FMCSA COVID-19 emergency exemption. I think this exemption expires Feb 28.

 

I always thought the 2 hour adverse driving conditions only extended the 14 hour clock until earlier today while looking for an answer to my posted question. But it seems to add 2 hours to the 11 and the 14 hour clock.

I found this: Summary of Hours of Service Regulations | FMCSA
Adverse Driving Conditions
Drivers are allowed to extend the 11-hour maximum driving limit and 14-hour driving window by up to 2 hours when adverse driving conditions are encountered.