On Oct. 1, truckers who drive intrastate in Florida are going to see some big changes in their hours-of-service rules.

Right now, truckers who drive only within the state can stay behind the wheel for up to 15 hours. However, Jeff Frost, a spokesman for the Florida Department of Transportation, told “Land Line Now” on XM Satellite Radio the rules will soon change.

“Effective October 1,we’re changing (on-duty, driving) to 12 hours – you can only drive 12 hours following 10 hours off-duty,” Frost said. “On the on-duty time, you may not drive after the 16th hour after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off.”

Frost reiterated that the Oct. 1 changeover applies only to intrastate drivers.

– By Reed Black, staff editor
reed_black@landlinemag.com