Driver's Rules

Bus transportation is the safest mode of transportation on the highway. However, analysis of serious highway accidents involving buses often point to driver fatigue as a major cause of mishaps.

The U.S. Department of Transportation regulation 395.10 restricts a driver's actual on-the-road time. The rule has three components:

10 Hour Rule: A driver cannot drive more than 10 hours following eight (8) consecutive hours off-duty (unforeseen conditions and emergency situations are exceptions).

15 Hour Rule: After 15 hours on-duty* (driving and on-duty not driving) a driver cannot continue driving until eight (8) consecutive hours off-duty are taken.

70 Hour Rule: On-duty time cannot exceed 70 hours for any period of eight (8) consecutive days. * On duty not driving includes time for pretrip inspection, meal times and delays.

To insure that the bus service you contract for is as safe as possible, you should demand that all bids from transportation providers include the following statement: "This bid for bus transportation service contemplates that, where applicable, every driver who provides service in this proposal will do so in accordance with the "Hours of Service" regulations established by the USDOT (Title 49 U.S.C. Part 395)."