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OOSC, Part I, Hours of Service - False Logs vs 60/70 Hr Rule

Entry DateAugust 4, 2003
Issue Number03-017-DRV
NameDolores J Strausser
AgencyMD State Highway Admin
Address7491 Connelley DriveHanover, MD, 21076United StatesMap It (opens in a new tab)
CommitteeDriver-Traffic Enforcement Committee
StatusClosed
Summary of Issue

Objection to the OOSC pertaining to the new proposed Driver's Hours of Service. The new OOS needs to be modified.

Justification or Need

This is an important issue as the proposed Hours of Service treats a 60/70 hours violator more severe than it does for someone who is falsifying their log book. In other words, someone who violates the 60/70 hour rule can in some instances be placed OOS for more than 10 hours whereas someone who intentionally falsifies their logbook would only be placed OOS for 10 hours under the proposed OOS. In some respects, it would pay for someone to falsify their logbook as the fine/penalty for both is the same in Marylnad and yet, someone who may be placed OOS for more than 10 hours under a 60/70 hour violation would only be placed OOS for not more than 10 hours. This is not an adequate method of dealing with the problem.

Request for Action

We request the Driver Committee review the proposed OOS and consider revising the OOS so that for drivers who have falsified logbooks are treated the same if not more severe than someone who was found to have violated the 60/70 hour rule regardless of whether they ar ea passenger carrying or property carrying unit. Falsifying a logbook is far more severe than a violation and hence should receive a cummensurate penalty.