Herbie Murray
The split sleeper berth rule is a provision that allows truck drivers to split their 10-hour mandatory break into two shifts, providing flexibility in their schedules to accommodate different delivery times, warehouse hours, and pickup/drop-off times. This rule is particularly useful when the time taken to reach a destination does not align with the on-duty and driving times outlined in the regulations. While the split sleeper berth rule offers benefits, it is also one of the most confusing rules in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, and drivers must be cautious to avoid violating Hours of Service (HOS) rules.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Purpose | To give drivers more flexibility in their schedules |
| Applicability | Truck drivers of property-carrying CMVs equipped with a compliant sleeper berth |
| Mandatory Break | 10 hours |
| Split | Two chunks, one of which must be 7-8 hours in the sleeper berth and the other must be a minimum of 2 hours off-duty or in the sleeper berth |
| Total Time | At least 10 hours |
| Order of Breaks | Can be taken in any order |
| Restart of 14-hour Driving Window | Only after the second shift is completed |
| Tracking | Electronic logging device (ELD) |
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What You'll Learn
The split sleeper berth rule
To comply with the rule, drivers must split their 10-hour break into two periods: one shift between 2 and 8 hours and another shift between 8 and 10 hours. The shorter break can be spent off-duty, in the sleeper berth, or a combination of the two, while the longer break must be spent in the sleeper berth. Both breaks can be taken in any order, and the 14-hour driving window restarts from the end of the first sleeper berth shift after the second shift is completed.
It is important to note that the split sleeper berth rule does not reset the 14-hour driving window after the second period. Instead, it shifts the start time of the window. Drivers can use an electronic logging device (ELD) to accurately track their time and ensure they are complying with the rule.
The rule is part of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration's (FMCSA) regulations, which govern how many hours truck drivers can drive per day, how they log their hours, and how often they need to take breaks.
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How to split sleeper berth time
The split sleeper berth rule allows truck drivers to split their 10-hour break into two shifts, offering them more flexibility in their schedules. This rule was introduced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and is particularly useful for drivers who need to adjust their schedules to accommodate longer hauls, warehouse hours, or pick-up and drop-off times.
To split sleeper berth time, drivers must divide their 10-hour break into two chunks, with neither being less than two hours. One shift must be between two and eight hours long (2/8 hour period) and can be spent off-duty, in the sleeper berth, personal conveyance, or a combination of these. The other shift must be between eight and ten hours long (8/10 hour period) and must be spent in the sleeper berth. The two breaks can be taken in any order.
It is important to note that the split sleeper berth is not a full 10-hour reset. While it does restart the 14-hour driving window, this only occurs from the end of the first sleeper berth shift and after the second shift is completed. Therefore, the start time of the 14-hour driving window is shifted rather than fully reset.
Drivers can use an electronic logging device (ELD) to accurately track and record their hours, reducing the chance of errors and violations. By understanding and effectively utilising the split sleeper berth rule, truck drivers can better manage their schedules and maximise their income.
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The sleeper berth provision
Prior to the change in the sleeper berth provision on June 1, 2020, the rule stated that drivers could only do an 8/2 split, meaning one split had to be eight hours, and the other had to be two hours. The two-hour period counted against the 14-hour window. However, as of September 29, 2020, the sleeper berth provision changed, allowing drivers to split their required 10-hour off-duty period into two periods of 7+ hours in the sleeper berth and 2+ hours of sleeper berth or off-duty, as long as the two periods add up to at least 10 hours.
Drivers choosing to use the split sleeper berth must take at least seven hours in the sleeper berth and may split the sleeper berth time into two periods provided neither is less than two hours. One shift can be between two and eight hours (2/8 hour period) and can be spent in the sleeper berth, off-duty, personal conveyance, or a combination of these. The other shift must be between eight and ten hours (8/10 hour period) and can only be taken in the sleeper berth. Both breaks can be taken in any order.
It is important to note that the split sleeper berth is not a full 10-hour reset. Instead, it shifts the start time of the 14-hour driving window. Proper pairing of rest periods is critical for compliance. Both the 2+ hours and the 7+ hours qualifying rest periods are excluded from the driver's 14-hour window if the rest periods are correctly paired. To ensure compliance, drivers may use an electronic logging device (ELD) with the split-logging exception to accurately follow the split sleeper berth rule and eliminate any confusion.
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The sleeper-berth exception
The split sleeper-berth rule or exception is one of the most confusing rules in the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. The rule allows truck drivers to extend their on-duty time by splitting their mandatory 10-hour break into two shifts. This gives drivers more flexibility to adjust to different delivery times, accommodate warehouse hours, and manage pickup/drop-off times.
To use the split-sleeper exception, drivers need to take a minimum of two breaks. One of the breaks must be a consecutive 7-hour period in the sleeper berth, and the other must be a consecutive 2-hour period that is off-duty, in the sleeper berth, or a combination of the two. Both periods will pause the 14-hour clock, which is a significant advantage for drivers. The two breaks can be taken in any order, and the 14-hour driving window is restarted from the end of the first sleeper berth shift after the completion of both breaks.
It is important to note that the split sleeper berth is not a full 10-hour reset of the 14-hour driving window. Instead, it simply moves the start time of the driving window. Drivers must also be mindful of their Hours of Service (HOS) and ensure they do not violate their HOS, as this can lead to various consequences, including safety points and even termination.
To help ensure compliance and reduce errors, drivers can use an electronic logging device (ELD) with the split-logging exception. This device will accurately track and record how they spend their time, helping them to avoid citations for not following driving time regulations.
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The 14-hour rule
The split sleeper berth rule allows truck drivers to extend their on-duty time by splitting their mandatory 10-hour break. This rule was introduced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and gives drivers more flexibility in their schedules. The 10-hour break can be split into two shifts, as long as neither is less than two hours. One shift must be between two and eight hours and can be spent off-duty, in the sleeper berth, or a combination of the two. The other shift must be between eight and ten hours and must be spent in the sleeper berth. The two breaks can be taken in either order.
By taking advantage of the split sleeper berth rule, drivers can effectively pause the 14-hour clock and adjust their schedules to accommodate longer hauls, warehouse hours, or pickup/drop-off times. For example, a driver who starts their day with two hours of non-driving on-duty work, will have their 14-hour working window begin at that time. If they then drive for three hours, they will have nine hours left in the 14-hour window and eight hours of driving time remaining. If the driver then takes a seven-hour break in the sleeper berth, they will still have six hours of driving time and nine hours in the 14-hour window when they get back on the road.
It is important to note that the 14-hour driving window does not restart after the end of the second break period. Instead, the split sleeper berth rule shifts the start time of the 14-hour driving window. Drivers must also be mindful of their Hours of Service (HOS) and ensure they are not in violation, as this can lead to various consequences, including safety points and even termination for continuous violations.
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Frequently asked questions
The split sleeper berth rule allows truck drivers to split their 10-hour break into two shifts, giving them more flexibility in their schedules.
Drivers are required to use an electronic logging device (ELD) to track and record how they spend their time.
The rule allows drivers to adjust their schedules to accommodate longer hauls, warehouse hours, or pickup/drop-off times. It helps them manage their on-duty, driving, and rest periods within the 14-hour rule.
