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July 18, 2000 9:30 AM, EDT

Fixing downed power lines and restoring telephone service could take longer if hours-of-service regulations proposed by the Department of Transportation are enacted, according to industry officials.

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DOT wants to limit utility drivers to a maximum work day of 13 hours, of which no more than five hours can be behind the wheel. Drivers also must have a 32- to 56-hour “weekend” break that includes two consecutive midnight to 6 a.m. periods.

Utility drivers are bound by the current hours regulations that limits truckers to 10 hours of driving during a 15-hour work day. Those regulations can be waived during emergencies such as a hurricane, fire or earthquake.

Since 1995, states have had the option to allow utility drivers to restart their workweek after 24 consecutive hours off. DOT officials now want to eliminate the restart regulation, much to the chagrin of utility managers.

For the full story, see the July 17 print edition of Transport Topics. .