FMCSA Truck Driver Conveyance Time: Will a Two-Hour Limit Change the Industry?

Personal conveyance (PC) has long been a gray area in truck driver regulations, allowing drivers to move their commercial vehicles for personal reasons while remaining in an off-duty status. But according to roadside inspection data collected by the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA), misuse of PC is on the rise—often as a way to extend driving hours beyond legal limits.

Now, CVSA is urging the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to take action by implementing stricter guidance, including a two-hour cap on personal conveyance time. But is this the right move? Will it curb misuse, or just create new challenges for truck drivers and carriers?

The Growing Problem of Misused Personal Conveyance

CVSA’s data, gathered from over 41,000 inspections, highlights the issue: 38% of drivers are using personal conveyance improperly, often to further their loads rather than for legitimate personal errands. This practice directly contradicts the intended purpose of PC, which is meant for activities like grabbing food, picking up prescriptions, or relocating a truck at the request of law enforcement.

CVSA argues that misuse of personal conveyance creates serious safety concerns. According to their findings, companies with drivers who improperly use PC are four times more likely to be involved in crashes and tend to have higher out-of-service rates. The organization believes that these risks justify stronger regulatory oversight.

What CVSA Wants to Change

CVSA has twice attempted to persuade FMCSA to tighten personal conveyance regulations, but previous efforts have stalled. This time, however, armed with hard data, CVSA is planning to file a petition that seeks several key changes:

Implementing a two-hour cap on personal conveyance usage per calendar day Prohibiting personal conveyance time from counting as “off-duty” time Clarifying that drivers cannot use PC after reaching an hours-of-service limitation to find parking Defining terms like “yard move” and the difference between personal use and personal conveyance Providing written guidance that owner-operators cannot use PC to return home or leave home for business purposes

According to Adrienne Gildea, CVSA’s deputy executive director, the problem lies in the vague definition of personal conveyance. Without specific limits, drivers frequently stretch the rule beyond its original intent.

Industry Reactions & Enforcement Challenges

While CVSA argues that limiting PC use will improve safety, some in the trucking industry may push back. Parking shortages, for example, make it difficult for drivers to find resting spots when they need them. Currently, PC allows drivers to move their trucks after unloading if there’s no parking available. But if FMCSA adopts stricter rules, drivers may struggle to find legal ways to reach safe rest areas.

Another concern is enforcement. While carriers are supposed to monitor PC usage, many lack the resources or oversight to track every instance. Without a clear federal mandate, it often falls on individual carriers to set—and enforce—guidelines.

Final Thoughts: Is Regulation the Right Answer?

Personal conveyance has traditionally been viewed as a necessary flexibility for drivers—but the lack of formal time restrictions has led to widespread misuse. CVSA’s latest push for reform aims to strike a balance between giving drivers autonomy and ensuring fair compliance with hours-of-service rules.

But will a two-hour limit solve the issue? Or will it simply encourage drivers to find alternative ways to stretch their driving hours?

Whatever FMCSA decides, one thing is certain—personal conveyance rules are at the center of a debate that could significantly impact truck driver operations for years to come.

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