Does a 10/3 split extend 14hrs?

Alright let’s get this sorted.

Here’s my general thesis: When the mandatory 8hr/30min break was changed (in Sept 2020 I believe) so that now your 8hr drive time is paused until a proper break occurs, the language in the regs from this change also included qualifying split sleeper breaks. With the only stipulation being that it has to “pair” with another qualifying break before, or after the 14hr work shift being paused. Consider the current language:

And….

Further clarification…


…so, I went to the FMCSA logging tool and compared some scenarios. See the two different examples of the previous day before a day with a paused 14hr work shift using the split rules. Note that there is no qualifying break afterwards.

First scenario violation occurs:

Day 1


Day 2


Highlighting the Day 1 entry and the Day 2 violation


Here’s the second scenario where the violation does not occur. Note that only the 10 hours on the previous day is the only change:

Day 1


Day 2


And here’s the highlighting of the Day 1 entry and no violation occurring at all now.



This is what has recently caused me to change my understanding of the split sleeper rule and the “glitch” of having to log into the sleeper instead of being able to just start a 34hr break.

Does this change your understanding as well? Please reply below and check this logging tool to confirm any scenarios that might provide more understanding. Thanks

ELD - Educational Tool for Hours of Service