Commercial truck drivers who do not following new hours of service rules will face education coupled with warnings for a 60-day period starting Jan. 4,
according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Norman Y. Mineta.
In addition, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration will man a toll-free information number around the clock beginning Dec. 29 for drivers with questions.
"As we get closer to the implementation date, we are finding that too many truckers still have questions about these rules," Mineta said. "It’s our version of on-the-job training for drivers who aren’t sure how or whether the new safety rules apply to them."
He said states will be asked to write warnings instead of citations for all but flagrant violations, and to use every stop as an opportunity to educate drivers about the new rules.
Federal inspectors from the FMCSA will coordinate education and enforcement efforts from regional offices across the country.
The decision also gives Department officials time to work out a solution with Congress on rules for truck drivers who work for public utilities and respond to emergency outages.
"We want a solution that keeps road safe, water flowing and the lights on," Mineta said, predicting cooperation among everyone concerned and optimism that a solution can be found.
Federal officials already have answered thousands of questions from truck drivers and their employers about the new rules, but Secretary Mineta said the goal is to get details of the changes to all operators as soon as possible.
"We want to do whatever we can to make certain everyone is aware and ready to comply as soon as possible," Mineta said.
For more information about the rule is at www.fmcsa.dot.gov. FMCSA will staff a toll-free telephone line around the clock beginning Dec. 29 to answer drivers’ questions.
The phone number is (800) 598-5664.