CHP and other law enforcement officers (LEOs) are cracking down on FMCSA HOS rule violations.
Commercial drivers on I-5 around Woodland in Yolo County, CA, are being targeted and need to stay alert.
The FMCSA has increased monitoring to ensure commercial drivers follow Hours of Service (HOS) regulations designed to prevent fatigue and improve highway safety. These rules directly affect CDL holders working along busy routes like I-5 in Yolo County, CA.
Understanding FMCSA HOS Rule Violations
The FMCSA HOS rule violations include exceeding driving time limits, failing to take required breaks, and other logbook violations. Falsifying logbook entries or tampering with the ELD could be considered a misdemeanor offense and lead to driver disqualifications at the FMCSA.
“It is unlawful to use a false or fictitious name, or to knowingly make any false statement or knowingly conceal any material fact in any document filed with the Department of Motor Vehicles or the Department of the California Highway Patrol.” —CA Vehicle Code (VC) Section 20, Driving Offenses.
However, most courts have the discretion to lower the violations that are misdemeanors to an infraction when there are mitigating circumstances. Talk to an attorney immediately.
Even unintentional errors in electronic logging devices (ELDs) can result in citations, Out-of-Service (OOS) orders, and penalties that impact both the driver and the carrier.
FMCSA requires most commercial drivers to use ELDs to record driving time accurately. These devices automatically track hours, reducing paperwork but increasing accountability.
A driver’s record of duty status (RODS) must match actual driving times, and discrepancies can trigger violations during inspections.
However, some entries require driver intervention, such as when another driver uses your vehicle, private conveyance, interrupted mandatory breaks, Form and Manner entries, and others.
Driver Shortage and Compliance Pressures
Recruitment efforts are expanding to include younger drivers, veterans, and women.
Federal pilot programs now allow drivers as young as 18 to operate commercial vehicles interstate. These new drivers must quickly adapt to strict federal compliance standards, including HOS limits and ELD accuracy.
However, the ongoing driver shortage across California and the USA has increased pressure on commercial drivers to meet tight delivery schedules.
Companies struggling to fill positions may push existing drivers to work extended hours, leading to FMCSA HOS rule violations. Commercial drivers must be aware of the FMCSA HOS rules to avoid traffic and roadside inspection violations and citations.
Once ticketed, CDL holders must challenge the violations in court with the help of a CA traffic attorney to get dismissals and no-point or alternate violations to protect their career.
Technology and Automation Challenges
The trucking industry is rapidly evolving.
Electric vehicles (EVs), artificial intelligence (AI), and autonomous vehicle (AV) technology are reshaping commercial transport. While these advances improve efficiency, they also introduce new compliance concerns under HOS rules.
AI monitoring systems can flag driving pattern anomalies that suggest possible HOS issues.
Drivers must learn to operate digital log systems effectively to avoid mistakes that could appear as intentional falsification. Understanding how these tools interact with FMCSA oversight is essential for staying compliant.
Safety, Fatigue, and Driver Wellness
Safety remains the foundation of HOS regulations.
These rules exist to prevent accidents caused by fatigued or drowsy driving. Yet, with the national driver shortages, some companies risk pushing operators beyond safe working limits.
Drivers on the Five through Yolo County, CA, often face heavy traffic and tight deadlines. That combination increases stress and fatigue, making compliance even more critical.
The FMCSA emphasizes rest periods and mental wellness to reduce preventable collisions.
What’s more, the lack of authorized truck parking across California hampers compliance with rest breaks. Drivers must be proactive and plan breaks that exceed the limits or risk violations.
Consult Bigger & Harman About FMCSA HOS Rule Violations
Before paying a fine or admitting guilt, CDL holders in Woodland, CA, should contact Bigger & Harman, APC. We help commercial drivers accused of FMCSA HOS rule violations protect their driving records and livelihoods.
Our team represents CDL clients cited for HOS log violations, falsification claims, and ELD compliance and other commercial driving issues in the Woodland Courthouse and throughout Yolo County.
Call us at (661) 349-9300 — se habla Español 349-9755—You can also complete our secure online contact form or email attorney@biggerharmanlaw.com to schedule a free consultation.
Your CDL is your career. Let us help safeguard it against costly violations.
Download our e-book, Protecting Your Commercial Driver License.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) Section
Q: What are FMCSA HOS rule violations?
A: These are traffic violations related to driving hour limits, break times, logbook errors, or falsified logbooks under FMCSA regulations.
Q: What happens if I’m cited for an FMCSA HOS rule violation?
A: You may face fines, OOS orders, or CSA severity points and time-weight multiples for your carrier, but these are reflected on your PSP and could impact your current and future driving employment. However, knowinglyfalsifying driving logbook entries is a misdemeanor offense for commercial drivers in California, even when ordered to do so by fleet HQ. But Superior Courts have great latitude and discretion in these cases. Contact a traffic attorney like Bigger & Harman when you are accused and before making a statement to anyone.
Q: Can an attorney help with FMCSA HOS rule violations?
A: It varies depending on the circumstances. There is very little anyone can do about a warning (it will likely become a part of your PSP for up to three years), but if you are ticketed, a traffic attorney, like Bigger & Harman can dispute the offense in court or negotiate a reduced, no-point conviction or dismissal.
References:
The DOT FMCSA Article, Hours of Service (HOS) Final Rule.
The DOT FMCSA 49 CFR Part 383.51, Paragraph 6.2.5, Disqualification of Drivers.
The DMV Portal CA Commercial Driver Handbook.