4. Hours of Service (Logbooks) • Logbooks are required unless operating within 150 air miles of the business. • To qualify for this exemption, drivers must: » Return to work within 14 consecutive hours. » Drive no more than 11 hours in a day. » Have at least 10 hours off between shifts. » Maintain accurate timecards. ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS FOR VEHICLES OVER 26,000 LBS. GVWR For vehicles above this threshold: • Drivers must hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL). • All requirements for the 10,000+ lb. category still apply. PRACTICAL EXAMPLE • A technician test drives a 15,000 lb. service truck = Needs a DOT medical card, annual inspection on the truck and compliance file. • A sales associate takes a customer out in a 12,000 lb. truck = Same requirements apply, even though a CDL is not needed. • A plow operator using a 12,000 lb. truck only on the dealership lot = Exempt. • A driver hauling a 28,000 lb. vehicle across state lines = CDL required, DOT number displayed, logbooks maintained. KEY TAKEAWAYS 1. Over 10,000 lbs. GVWR = DOT applies. Employees must meet medical, vehicle, file and logbook requirements if operating on public roads. 2. Over 26,000 lbs. GVWR = CDL required. 3. Commerce is the trigger. If the activity benefits the business financially, DOT rules apply — even if the trip is just a test drive. 4. Lot-only operation is the only exemption. By understanding and following these guidelines, your dealership or service center can stay compliant and protect both employees and the business from costly DOT penalties. CELEBRATING MARIANNE GOURGIOTIS’ 40 YEARS AT NHADA! We’d like to honor Marianne Gourgiotis, our outstanding Underwriter, for four decades of commitment to NHADA’s Workers Comp Trust. Her expertise and dedication have kept the program strong, fair and reliable for our members. Congratulations, Marianne! 13
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