Download complete document. (67k pdf)

Driving time regulations for commercial driver's license holders, specifically school bus drivers, have been in place for many years. In brief, (for passenger-carrying vehicles) they require an eight-hour rest period after a period of 10 hours driving; or an eight-hour rest period after 15 hours on duty (of which up to 10 hours may be spent driving). Until recently, these regulations had never been interpreted, by either districts or unions, to have an effect on bus driver scheduling. In fact, in talking with affiliates, it seems that most drivers are already aware of these regulations.

The safety of passengers, drivers and the general public is the guiding factor. These regulations were put in place to ensure that a CDL holder does not drive a vehicle when he/she may be distracted due to fatigue or lack of sleep.

An interpretation of a section of the law however potentially could have a negative effect on school bus drivers and others.

Restrictions on hours impose the greatest challenge for drivers who bid on afterschool runs, especially those drivers who may work in another position in the school or even for another employer between morning and afternoon bus runs. 

For example, a driver who starts his/her shift at 6:30 a.m. with a pre-trip check, takes two or three morning runs, works in another position until the afternoon runs and then accepts an after-school run (perhaps to and from an athletic event) could return to the bus facility at 10 p.m. (entirely possible in a large school district with significant distances between schools). This makes for a 14-hour day, with barely eight hours before he/she begins a morning run. 

While this situation may be rare, it is a possibility. And in each district or college there may be other configurations that will result in the same potential for noncompliance with these regulations.

For more information, the American Federation of Teachers has produced a white paper breaking down the language of the regulations and the impact it could have.

Download complete document. (67k pdf)