Temporary Renewal of Railroads’ Hours-of-Service Exemption
AI-generated summary for informational purposes only. Not legal advice. See the original source for the authoritative text.
This notice temporarily renews an exemption that lets certain railroad employees drive beyond normal federal hours-of-service limits when responding to unplanned events outside or beyond regular work hours. The exemption applies to the Association of American Railroads, the American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association, and their member railroads. It runs from June 19, 2026, to October 19, 2026, while FMCSA reviews the associations’ request for a five-year renewal.
AI-generated summary. May contain errors. Refer to official sources for legal decisions.
Key Changes
- FMCSA provisionally renews the railroad associations’ hours-of-service exemption for four months.
- Covered employees may exceed the 14-hour driving limit and 60-hour/70-hour on-duty limits when responding to unplanned events.
- FMCSA will review additional information before deciding whether to grant a five-year renewal.
Obligations
What this law requires
Member railroads relying on the provisional exemption may use it only for employees subject to federal hours-of-service rules who are responding to unplanned events that occur outside of, or extend beyond, the employee’s normal work hours.
After the provisional exemption expires, covered railroad employees may not rely on this exemption to drive after the 14th hour from the beginning of the work shift unless FMCSA grants a further renewal or final exemption.
After the provisional exemption expires, covered railroad employees may not rely on this exemption to drive after accumulating 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days or 70 hours on duty in 8 consecutive days unless FMCSA grants a further renewal or final exemption.