Maximum Driving Time For Bus Carrying Passengers

June 28, 2016

Bus Accidents, Houston Accident Lawyer

Our bus accident attorneys at Morrow & Sheppard LLP are privileged to represent bus accident victims nationwide, with an emphasis on cases in Texas, New Mexico, and Louisiana.

If you or a loved one has been injured, maimed, or wrongfully killed in a bus accident, it would be our privilege to discuss your rights for free and with no obligation to hire us. We offer hospital and in-home visits when needed. Calls us now at 800-489-2216 or fill out our online evaluation form to learn more.

One of the causes of bus injuries and wrongful deaths is bus drivers who have been on the road for too long. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act strictly limits how long drivers can be on the road, and the failure to follow those rules can constitute negligence or gross negligence entitling injured persons to substantial compensation.

This is the fourth in a series of articles setting out the “Hours of Service” rules. This article relates to the maximum driving time for passenger carrying vehicles.

How Long Can Buses Be On The Road Without Creating Injury Risk?

Section 395.5 of the motor carrier safety act provides:

§ 395.5: Maximum driving time for passenger-carrying vehicles.

Subject to the exceptions and exemptions in § 395.1:

(a) No motor carrier shall permit or require any driver used by it to drive a passenger-carrying commercial motor vehicle, nor shall any such driver drive a passenger-carrying commercial motor vehicle:

(1) More than 10 hours following 8 consecutive hours off duty; or

(2) For any period after having been on duty 15 hours following 8 consecutive hours off duty.

(b) No motor carrier shall permit or require a driver of a passenger-carrying commercial motor vehicle to drive, nor shall any driver drive a passenger-carrying commercial motor vehicle, regardless of the number of motor carriers using the driver’s services, for any period after—

(1) Having been on duty 60 hours in any 7 consecutive days if the employing motor carrier does not operate commercial motor vehicles every day of the week; or

(2) Having been on duty 70 hours in any period of 8 consecutive days if the employing motor carrier operates commercial motor vehicles every day of the week.

What To Do If You Are Involved In A Serious Bus Accident

If you or a loved one is involved in a serious bus accident, call our bus accident lawyers now to discuss the next steps. Consultations are free and non-binding, and even if you do hire us, you do not pay us out of pocket. We don’t get paid unless our clients win.

Call us now at 800-489-2216 or fill out our online evaluation form to discuss your legal rights.