The Department of Transportation (DOT) regulates the charter bus industry. Bus operators are required to carry a current DOT Physical Exam Card, be drug tested under DOT rules and regulations, and maintain a log

for miles and hours of service. Coaches are not required by state or federal law to have seatbelts. Some

states require that operators be certified for all school sponsored trips, grades 12 and under

The DOT regulation 395.10 restricts the bus operator’s driving time. There are three parts:

• 10 Hour Rule. The bus operator cannot drive more than 10 hours following 8 consecutive hours off duty

  (except in emergencies)

• 15 Hour Rule. After 15 hours on-duty (driving and non-driving tasks), an operator cannot continue

  driving until 8 consecutive hours of off-duty time is taken

• 70 Hour Rule. On duty time cannot exceed 70 hours for any period of 8 consecutive days.

Transport Canada regulates the Canadian charter bus industry. Bus operators are required to maintain a

log for miles and hours of service. Unlike the US, alcohol is not allowed on buses in Canada.

The Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations (SOR/2005-313) Act restricts the bus

operator’s driving time

• The bus operator cannot drive more than 13 hours in a day.
• After driving 13 hours in a day, at least 8 consecutive hours of off-duty time is required before

  driving again.

• The bus operator must have at least 10 hours of off-duty time per day. Daily off-duty time must include 2 hours that do not form part of an 8 consecutive hour off-duty period.
• The total driving time in 2 days cannot exceed 26 hours.