DOT regulation extended time off

Nonsense. Ask them to show you the relevant FMCSR section. There is no provision for any such thing, and DOT doesn't care how long you don't drive as long as you comply with all HOS and keep your license/medical current. You could take off for 6 months, then come back and drive for 6 months, in fact a lot of dump operators near me do exactly that.

Search Regulations - the complete list of FMCSR's - I couldn't find anything relevant in a quick scan through.

 

I know MANY O/O's (on here and elsewhere) that take entire WINTERS off. Myself, I haul asphalt, and in Ohio, when it's cold, asphalt doesn't flow. I did, in fact, take a winter off a few years back; did NOTHING DOT related (? dunno even what that could be...watch a safety video?) and went right back into the same truck, when the season came back. Now, I pull flats or salt in the winter; can't afford to do THAT every year; but was never penalized (but for my wallet, LoL.)

 

I'm gonna follow this thread just to see if someone chimes in with 'nonsense' .... but I really think that's all it is.... nonsense.

 

I just find it interesting that a company would take what I assume is an internal policy of theirs, and try to say "Oh, the DOT makes us do it". I would have a hard time taking that company seriously, myself. DOT regulated activity is typically anything where you're subject to HOS regulations, I believe. Could be something outside of that but if so I can't think what it would be off the top of my head.

 

Interesting, isn't it? Has me stymied as well. Been doing this 17 years and NEVER heard of such an asinine thing. Maybe they want the O/P to come in once a week and do oil changes, yard jockey, or something? No clue.

 

Just tell them you log grocery runs in the minivan once a month to remain current.


Then punch them in the head.

.

 

Perhaps, but oil changes or jockey work wouldn't be subject to HOS...well, jockey might if actually hitting a public road. It sounds like another policy from one of those places who assign you a tractor, then take it away if you're off more than a few days on home time.

 

When you are subject to HOS regulations, ALL work, whether regulated (such as driving for a carrier) or not (sweeping floors for a non-carrier) is supposed to be tracked appropriately. So while the work itself might not be subject to HOS rules, you still are.

You probably already knew that, but I was just checking.

You're most likely correct in your assumption that it's a company policy and the reason for its application.