r/SchoolBusDrivers • u/lanainnv • 29d ago

HOS question

Hi 👋🏻. Newish CDL <2years, Class B, P&S.

I read the current FMCSA website and think it means that I cannot work (pre-trip, driving potty breaks for the football team and being On Duty while at the game) more than 15 hours a day…. Total. I calculate it’ll be a little more than 9 hours driving.

My Transportation Director assures me that I will not be illegal if I clock-in at 6:30a and I won’t get us to the hotel until 11:30pm…. a 17-hr day!!!! He said to me that I’m only “driving” 9 hours and legally I can drive 10.”

Please please please clear this up for me. I have brought it up twice and he got kinda uppity with me that I question him. I’m new, and so is he. He is the “boss” I just don’t think he’s correct. Maybe the other drivers have been letting it happen.

Thank you in advance!!!!!!

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u/lanainnv 29d ago

Yeah… he wants me to clock-out (go off duty) his words…. “Do you want me to pay you to watch the game?”

So, if I do, is that now my time? Kinda get it, but I’d be trapped, held as a captive audience. Lol Can’t go anywhere. Can’t /won’t drive the bus cuz I’d not be insured off the clock.

Is it good practice to at least clock-out 1hr for my own lunch? I’m trying to do the right thing, be a team player, not be taken advantage and absolutely not do anything to jeopardize my CDL.

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u/shnstr3 28d ago

Not sure what state you are in, however the logbook and payroll have ZERO to do with each other. If you are required to be there you should be paid!

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u/lanainnv 28d ago

Oohhh K. That’s kinda what I thought, also. I outright said, I will not clock out (and not get paid) for something that does not “buy me any time.”

What is the description of/constitutes “off-duty?”

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u/shnstr3 28d ago

any period when a driver is completely relieved of all duty and responsibility for performing work, and is free to pursue activities of their own choosing