To qualify for the 'local hours of service exception', a driver must operate within what radius of the home terminal?

To qualify for the 'local hours of service exception', a driver must operate within a radius of 160 kilometers from their home terminal. This exception is designed to allow drivers who operate in more local or regional settings to have a different set of working time regulations, acknowledging that they are typically at home more frequently and may not need the same rest requirements as long-haul drivers.

The 160-kilometer limit is significant as it facilitates flexibility in scheduling while promoting safety and compliance with regulations. The rationale behind this specific distance hinges on the understanding that local drivers are usually engaged in shorter trips and return to their base at the end of their shifts, creating less fatigue compared to those on longer interstate drives. Therefore, the 160-kilometer limit offers a practical approach to balance driver safety and operational needs.