U.S. DOT Reverses Course on Transport of Hazardous Materials in California

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA) ruled on a petition submitted by the National Tank Truck Carriers Association.

To ensure public safety, maintain security, and reduce delays, PHMSA finds that California’s meal and rest break requirements are preempted for all operators of motor vehicles transporting hazardous materials.

The agency finds that the California meal and rest break requirements create an unnecessary delay in the transportation of hazardous materials.  In addition, California’s rules create compliance incompatibilities with respect to operators carrying explosive materials because it is not possible to simultaneously comply with the off-duty requirement of the California rule and federal safety requirements.

Finally, the California meal and rest break rules are preempted for motor carriers with security plans requiring constant driver attendance for hazardous materials cargo.

Category: General Update, News