Expert Advocacy

FMCSA Grants HOS Exceptions to Fireworks Carriers

In recognition of the July 4 holiday, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) recently granted an Hours of Service (HOS) exemption to some truck drivers that carry fireworks for commercial shows, according to a recent article in The Trucker.

The exemption applies to the 55 companies that are members of the American Pyrotechnics Association (APA). The exemption covers the part of the hours of service rules that prevent drivers from taking the wheel after the 14th consecutive hour of being on duty, as long as they have spent some of that time off-duty or in a sleeper berth. It does not apply to other parts of the HOS requirements, such as the limit on the number of hours a driver may operate a truck within one 24-hour period or the limit of 60 or 70 hours of driving per week.

The exemption applies to APA members who are transporting fireworks between June 28 and July 8, 2013, and it is also in effect for the same time period in 2014. Only one motor carrier who requested a renewal of the exemption has been denied, according to the FMCSA. The agency believes that the exemption will allow APA members to complete their work while still maintaining safety on the roads.

Fireworks are a classic part of Independence Day celebrations, and many southern California families will travel by car to see them. If you’re injured this holiday, the dedicated San Diego injury attorneys can help. Contact us today for a free and confidential case evaluation.