Two new pilot programs could reshape how truckers rest and drive.
For years, truck drivers have argued that rigid federal hours-of-service (HOS) rules make their jobs more difficult and, at times, more dangerous. Now, a new move by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) could change that.
In September, the agency announced two pilot programs to test whether giving drivers more flexibility can make roads safer.
These programs represent the most significant potential shift in trucking regulations in more than a decade. For drivers, companies, and anyone affected by commercial trucking accidents, the outcome could redefine how safety and accountability are measured on America’s highways.
At McDaniel Law Firm, PLC, our Arkansas truck accident lawyers will be watching these developments closely, as any regulatory change could directly impact how negligence and fatigue-related crashes are investigated and litigated.
A New Approach to the Split Sleeper Berth Rule
The first pilot program focuses on how drivers use their sleeper berths for mandatory rest. Under the current federal rule, a driver must take at least one continuous seven-hour rest period in the sleeper berth, paired with a second rest period of at least three hours.
Many truckers say that the requirement is too rigid. Fatigue doesn’t always follow a set schedule, and traffic patterns or delivery demands can make it difficult to rest effectively. The FMCSA’s new pilot program would allow drivers to split their 10-hour rest period into two segments of any length, such as 5 and 5 hours or 6 and 4 hours.
That flexibility could help drivers avoid driving during high-traffic times, better align rest with their body’s natural rhythms, and ultimately improve safety and focus behind the wheel.
Only 256 CDL holders who regularly use sleeper berths will be allowed to participate in the program. The FMCSA will analyze safety data, including crash and fatigue reports, to determine whether flexible rest schedules can maintain or improve current safety levels.
If the results show equal or greater safety compared to existing regulations, the agency could propose a permanent rule change in the future.
Giving Drivers More Control Over the 14-Hour Clock
The second pilot program addresses another major frustration in the trucking industry: the 14-hour driving window.
Right now, truck drivers are limited to 14 consecutive on-duty hours per day, regardless of how much of that time is spent waiting or performing non-driving tasks. Many drivers lose valuable driving time because of detention delays at loading docks, vehicle repairs, or heavy traffic, even when they aren’t actively behind the wheel.
The new pilot program would allow drivers to pause the 14-hour clock for 30 minutes to 3 hours. That pause could include off-duty time, time in the sleeper berth, or on-duty time spent not driving.
This flexibility could make a real difference for drivers who want to rest during high-congestion periods or avoid driving while fatigued. It could also reduce financial losses caused by delays that eat into available driving time.
Why Flexibility Matters for Safety
As with the sleeper berth pilot, only 256 drivers will be allowed to participate, and the comment period runs for two months, through November 17, 2025.
Truck drivers are among the most regulated professionals on the road, and for good reason: fatigue and overwork are major contributors to catastrophic trucking accidents. But overly strict regulations can also backfire. When drivers are forced to meet delivery schedules within narrow time limits, they may feel pressured to drive through fatigue or bad weather.
Flexible scheduling could allow truckers to rest when needed without losing work hours, creating a system that’s safer for drivers and for everyone who shares the road with them.
It’s important to note that these pilot programs aren’t about reducing safety oversight. The FMCSA’s goal is to demonstrate that the new system offers an “equivalent or greater level of safety” than current rules. If the data supports that finding, the changes could be implemented on a larger scale.
Why This Matters for Arkansas Drivers
Arkansas’s highways are major freight corridors connecting the Southeast to the Midwest and beyond. Drivers based in Jonesboro, Little Rock, or along I-55 and I-40 often spend long hours hauling freight through multiple states. Any change to federal HOS rules will directly affect how they rest, drive, and get paid.
Truck drivers deserve both fair working conditions and safe roads. And when accidents do happen, whether due to fatigue, negligence, or unsafe scheduling, injured victims have the right to hold at-fault parties accountable.
McDaniel Law Firm, PLC has represented truck accident victims across Arkansas for decades. We understand how HOS violations, poor enforcement, and negligent driving can lead to devastating crashes.
If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident, it’s important to act quickly. Evidence such as logbooks, black box data, and maintenance records can be time-sensitive. Contact McDaniel Law Firm, PLC today for a free consultation.
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