Ninth Circuit Backs Feds Over California Break Rules
The Ninth Circuit upheld a federal ruling that California’s meal and rest break rules cannot apply to drivers of passenger buses and other commercial passenger vehicles. California’s attorney general and labor commissioner had asked the court to overturn the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s 2020 preemption decision, but the panel refused.
The fight started after the FMCSA concluded that the state’s stricter break requirements counted as safety regulations that conflict with federal hours-of-service rules. Under federal law, states can keep tougher rules only if they prove one of three narrow exceptions. California argued its rules protected drivers and passengers alike, but the court found the state failed to meet any exception. The judges said the federal agency’s reading of the statute was reasonable and entitled to deference.
For bus companies and motorcoach operators running routes in California, the ruling means they follow the single federal schedule instead of juggling two sets of break mandates. Fleets gain predictability on long-distance trips and avoid penalties for following U.S. hours-of-service limits. The decision also signals that other states’ extra break rules face similar federal pushback when applied to passenger carriers.
Bottom Line: Federal hours rules trump California’s meal and rest breaks for passenger drivers.
https://www.courtlistener.com/opinion/10870122/people-of-the-state-of-cal-v-fmcsa/
How do you think this affects scheduling on your routes?