Introduction
Daylight Saving Time (DST) in the spring and fall of each year can introduce possible confusion to Hours of Service logs. This article will clarify what drivers can expect from their Zonar logging device.
Do drivers get or lose an hour of drive time when DST changes?
No. Hours of Service is calculated based on elapsed time. If a driver starts their day at 10:00 pm, they have 8 hours of drive time before a 30 minute break is required, regardless of which way the clock changes.
- In the spring, 8 hours from 10:00 pm is 7:00 am.
- In the fall, 8 hours from 10:00 pm is 5:00 am.
This only affects drivers whose work shift will include 2:00 am. Day drivers will not be affected.
How will this show on the driver logs?
The logs for days on which DST changes will include indicators showing how the change affects the day's logs.
In the spring, the log will be separated between 2:00 and 3:00 am, showing the time "springing forward". The total hours for the day will add up to 23:00.
In the fall, the log will overlap itself between 1:00 and 2:00 am, showing the time "falling back". The total hours for the day will add up to 25:00.
The log entries under Grid View will also reflect the change. In the example below, the duty status changes at 1:56 am, then 12 minutes later at 1:08 pm.
These indicators are meant to help bridge the gap between elapsed hours, which remain the same at all times, and the daily log.
Drivers should consult their dispatcher or safety administrator for more information.
What about the periods of 1:00-5:00 am for the 34-hour restart?
This requirement is suspended indefinitely. In the event it is no longer suspended, the text below will apply. See the FMCSA summary of Hours of Service for more information.
One requirement of the 34-hour restart rule is that the period of 34 hours must include two periods of 1:00-5:00 am. This is affected by DST, although the elapsed time of 4 hours still remains the same.
- Spring: 1:00-6:00 am
- Fall: 1:00-4:00 am