FMCSA proposes pilot program for flexible sleeper berth splits
- Comments close
- Docket
- FMCSA-2026-2080
The agency will gather data from about 256 drivers to compare fatigue levels under current rules and the new exemption. Carriers and drivers may submit comments on the data collection by December 7, 2026.
A new pilot program will test more flexible sleeper berth rules for commercial drivers. The agency will collect data to see if changing rest periods improves driver safety and working conditions.
Current rules require a 10-hour off-duty period that can be split into 7 and 3 hours or 8 and 2 hours. The pilot program reduces the longer rest period to a minimum of 5 consecutive hours. Participants may use a 5/5 split, a 6/4 split, or any combination in between to reach 10 hours off-duty.
The research will involve about 256 commercial motor vehicle drivers. FMCSA will compare driver fatigue and performance under current rules against performance under the new flexible exemption. The goal is to determine if the change maintains or improves safety levels.
The agency is asking for public comments on the information collection request. Comments must be received by December 7, 2026. Carriers and drivers should reference docket number FMCSA-2026-2080 when submitting feedback.
Source: Federal Register — https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/10/07/2026-20524/agency-information-collection-activities-new-information-collection-hours-of-service-of-drivers
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