A high number of commercial drivers are making the same mistake when attempting to observe the new thirty minute break rule.
The FMCSA requires that every driver take a thirty minute break BEFORE he has been on duty eight hours: note that this is “on duty” eight hours, not “driving” eight hours.
The off-duty break must be logged on the top “off duty” line of your log book, not the bottom “on duty not driving” line – as many are doing, in error.
The break must be flagged; it must be labeled 30 minute break, and the city ( spelled out completely) and state ( as two letters) must be shown – to identify where the time off was taken.
Think of this as a compulsory lunch or snack or exercise break, and observe it religiously.
