California's attempt to impose its own meal and rest breaks on bus drivers has taken another hit, this time for a federal court. The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled that the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) for bus drivers preempts the meal and rest breaks (MRB) of California.
This ruling is not surprising, given the precedent set by a previous case involving truck drivers. In 2021, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals issued a similar ruling that impacted truckers, but did not extend to bus drivers.
The key difference between federal regulations for truck drivers and bus drivers lies in their respective limits on driving time and on-duty hours. Bus drivers are limited to no more than 10 consecutive hours of driving and an on-duty limit of 15 hours, whereas truck drivers have stricter rules.
Federal regulations also dictate that a driver can not be behind the wheel for more than eight consecutive hours without taking a 30-minute break. This provision is crucial in ensuring the safety of bus passengers.
In contrast to truckers, California's rest break rule for bus drivers requires a meal period of not less than 30 minutes for employees working more than five hours. However, this rule was found to be preempted by federal regulations.
The Ninth Circuit Court has also rejected California's argument that the preemption authority is limited to rules on safety, rather than a law of general applicability. This ruling underscores the importance of following federal regulations in the trucking industry.
This decision marks another blow to California's efforts to regulate the meal and rest breaks of its bus drivers. It is essential for companies operating in the state to familiarize themselves with federal regulations and ensure compliance.
The implications of this ruling are far-reaching, as it sets a precedent for other states seeking to impose their own regulations on trucking companies. The FMCSA will likely review its regulations to ensure consistency across all modes of transportation.
This ruling highlights the importance of following federal regulations in the trucking industry, as state laws may be preempted by federal rules.
