The bill amends Section 32-9A-6 of the Code of Alabama 1975, specifically increasing the intrastate air-mile radius for which the intrastate hours of service limitation applies to drivers of commercial motor vehicles. The new legal language specifies that the intrastate hours of service limitation will now apply to drivers operating within a 150 air-mile radius of their normal work reporting location, as opposed to the previous limit. Additionally, the bill clarifies that driving is prohibited for any driver who has been on duty for more than 15 hours and establishes a 12-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty.

Furthermore, the bill includes provisions that require all motor carriers operating under this variance to maintain a satisfactory safety rating with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and mandates compliance with record of duty provisions. The act is set to become effective on October 1, 2024. The changes reflect a shift in regulatory parameters aimed at enhancing safety and operational standards for commercial motor vehicle drivers within the state.

Statutes affected:
Introduced: 32-9A-6
Enrolled: 32-9A-6