FMCSA Hours of Service Pilot: Split Sleeper and 14-Hour Pause

What happened

The FMCSA hours of service pilot programs took a new step this week. FMCSA (the federal agency that regulates trucking) published two notices in the Federal Register, one on Oct. 6 and one on Oct. 7, 2026.

The notices describe two tests. Each one will use about 256 truck drivers. Each driver takes part for 16 weeks. Land Line reported the pilots are expected to start in 2027.

Pilot 1: a more flexible split sleeper berth. Today you can split your 10 hours off into a 7/3 or 8/2 split. At least 7 hours must be in the sleeper berth. In the pilot, that longer period drops to 5 hours. So drivers could use a 5/5 split, a 6/4 split, or anything in between.

Pilot 2: a pause on the 14-hour clock. Drivers could stop their 14-hour driving window for up to 3 hours. That time can be off duty or in the sleeper berth. It can also be on-duty, not-driving time, but only at the place where you pick up or deliver the load.

FMCSA wants to know if these options keep drivers just as safe and make their working life better. Land Line said the agency will also watch detention at shippers.

What it means for owner-operators

This is not a new rule for everyone. Only drivers in the pilots get the exemption. The normal hours of service rules still apply to you.

Still, the pilots matter. If the data looks good, these options could shape future rules. Many drivers have asked for years for a way to rest without losing their clock at a slow dock.

Not every carrier can join. The notice lists strict rules. Your carrier must have interstate authority and registration. It must carry the minimum insurance filing the law requires. It cannot have an Unsatisfactory safety rating, or any FMCSA enforcement action in the last 3 years. Its driver and vehicle out-of-service rates must be at or below the national average.

Drivers have rules too. You need a valid CDL and a valid medical card from a National Registry examiner. You cannot be in the Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse, even if you finished return-to-duty. You cannot have a license suspension or disqualification in the last 2 years. Owner-operators can certify and take part.

Drivers in the study will use a wrist sleep tracker, a telematics device, short alertness tests and surveys. Their logs are shared with the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute.

What to do next

• Comment if you have an opinion. Comments on both notices are due by Dec. 7, 2026. Go to regulations.gov and search docket FMCSA-2026-2080 (split sleeper) or FMCSA-2026-2081 (14-hour pause).
• Check your safety numbers. Look at your out-of-service rates and any open enforcement items. A clean file opens doors like this one.
• Keep your medical card and CDL current. They are basic entry tickets for any pilot.
• Keep your authority in order. Our trucking filing guide shows what your USDOT and MC file needs to stay active.
• Do not use these splits yet. Until you are accepted into a pilot, the 7/3 and 8/2 rules still apply.

We will share how to apply when FMCSA opens sign-ups.