Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration July 1, 2005 – Federal Register Recent Federal Regulation Documents

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) grants the American Pyrotechnics Association's (APA) application for an exemption from the prohibition against driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) after the 14th hour of coming on-duty. The exemption is applicable for a period beginning 7 days prior to, and 2 days immediately following Independence Day. Fireworks personnel who operate CMVs for the companies listed in this notice, in conjunction with staging fireworks shows celebrating Independence Day, are allowed to exclude off-duty and sleeper berth time of any length in the calculation of the 14-hours. However, drivers are not allowed to drive after accumulating a total of 14-hours of on-duty time, following 10 consecutive hours off duty, and continue to be subject to the 11-hour driving time limits, and the 60- and 70-hour weekly limits. After reviewing the comments received in response to the May 6, 2005, notice requesting public comment on the APA application, FMCSA has determined the exemption would achieve a level of safety equivalent to what would be provided by compliance with the 14-hour rule as it applies to other drivers of property-carrying vehicles.