WASHINGTON--Some HME delivery drivers may have to limit their hours on the road under new federal Hours of Service regulations. According to the U.S. Department of Transportation rule, drivers of property-carrying commercial motor vehicles that do not require a commercial driver's license for operation and who operate within a 150-air-mile radius of their normal work reporting location:

--may drive a maximum of 11 hours after coming on duty following 10 or more consecutive hours off duty;
--are not required to keep records-of-duty status; and
--may not drive after the 14th hour after coming on duty five days a week or after the 16th hour after coming on duty two days a week.

In place of records-of-duty status, employers must now maintain and retain accurate time records for a period of six months showing the time the duty period began and ended, and the total hours on duty each day.

The regulations went into effect on Oct. 1, with a grace period for compliance and enforcement until Dec. 31.

To view the rule, click here.