Effective June 5, 2026, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has invalidated California's meal and rest break rules for bus drivers, citing preemption by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. This decision follows a similar ruling in 2021 concerning truck drivers.
Background of the Ruling
The court's decision stems from a petition by the state of California, which sought to enforce its own meal and rest break regulations on bus drivers. However, the court found that the FMCSA's Hours of Service (HOS) rules take precedence. The FMCSA regulations limit bus drivers to no more than 10 consecutive hours of driving and an on-duty limit of 15 hours.
Impact on Bus Drivers
- Bus Drivers: Limited to 10 consecutive driving hours
- On-Duty Limit: 15 hours
- California's Rule: Required a 30-minute meal break after 5 hours
The ruling highlights the differences between federal and state regulations, where California's rules mandated additional breaks not required by federal law.
Legal Precedents
The court referenced its 2021 decision involving truck drivers, where it ruled that California's meal and rest break rules were within the FMCSA's preemption authority. This precedent was crucial in the court's decision to extend the ruling to bus drivers.
"Our prior decision in Teamsters largely forecloses California’s arguments," the court stated, emphasizing the FMCSA's regulatory authority.
Compliance and Enforcement
Entities involved in passenger transportation must now adhere strictly to FMCSA regulations, disregarding California's additional requirements. Non-compliance could result in penalties enforced by federal authorities.
| Regulation | Bus Drivers | Truck Drivers |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Hours | 10 hours | 11 hours |
| On-Duty Limit | 15 hours | 14 hours |
| Break Requirement | None federally mandated | 30-minute break after 8 hours |
Industry Guidance
Organizations such as the American Bus Association (ABA) and the International Road Transport Union (IRU) are expected to provide further guidance to ensure compliance with the updated regulatory framework.
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