As a truck driver, you may encounter situations where the weather or road conditions are worse than expected and affect your ability to complete your trip within the hours of service (HOS) rules. In such cases, you may be able to use the adverse driving conditions exception to extend your driving time and shift by up to two hours. However, there are some requirements and limitations that you need to be aware of before you apply this exception.
In this article:
What are adverse driving conditions?
How does the adverse driving conditions exception work?
How do you record the adverse driving conditions exception?
What are the benefits and risks of using the adverse conditions driving?
Conclusion
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), adverse driving conditions are defined as “snow, ice, sleet, fog, or other adverse weather conditions or unusual road or traffic conditions that were not known or could not reasonably be known, to a driver or dispatcher immediately before beginning the duty day or immediately before beginning driving after a qualifying rest break or sleeper berth period, or to a motor carrier immediately before dispatching the driver . This means that you can only use the exception if you encounter unexpected and unavoidable conditions that affect your normal driving time and route. You cannot use the exception if you or your dispatcher knew or should have known about the adverse conditions before you started your trip.
Adverse driving conditions FMCSA allows you to add up to two hours to your driving time and shift limit. For example, if you are a property-carrying driver, you can drive up to 13 hours during a maximum 16-hour shift, instead of the usual 11 hours during a 14-hour shift. However, you can only use the exception to complete the run or to reach a place offering safety. You cannot use the exception to start a new run or to make up for lost time. You also need to make sure that you have completed the run within the normal HOS limits under normal conditions. If that is not the case, you cannot use the exception.
Here are some scenarios where you can and cannot use the exception:
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If you use the adverse driving conditions exception, you need to record it on your electronic logging device (ELD) or paper log. You need to indicate the specific nature of the adverse driving conditions and the reason for the delay. You also need to annotate the exception on your log by selecting the “adverse driving conditions” option on your ELD or writing “adverse driving conditions” on your paper log. You should also keep any supporting documents that can verify the adverse conditions, such as weather reports, road closure notices, or traffic reports.
Here are some examples of how to record the exception:
The adverse driving conditions exception can be a useful tool for drivers who face unexpected and unavoidable challenges on the road. It can help you avoid violating the HOS rules and prevent you from driving in unsafe conditions. It can also help you maintain your delivery schedule and customer satisfaction. However, there are also some risks and drawbacks of using the exception. For one thing, you may end up driving longer and later than usual, which can increase your fatigue and stress levels. You may also face more scrutiny and audits from the FMCSA or law enforcement officers, who may question your use of the exception and ask for proof. You may also face penalties or fines if you misuse the exception or fail to comply with the requirements.
Here are some tips on how to use the exception wisely and sparingly:
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The adverse driving conditions exception is a helpful option for truck drivers who encounter unexpected and unavoidable challenges on the road. However, it is not a free pass to drive as long as you want or to ignore the HOS rules. You need to follow the requirements and limitations of the exception and record it properly on your log. You also need to weigh the benefits and risks of using the exception and make sure that you are driving safely and legally. Remember, the adverse driving conditions exception is meant to be an exception, not a rule. Use it wisely and sparingly.