On December 22, 2011, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration released a final rule on new Hours of Service regulations. This “final rule” is the result of on-going litigation between the FMCSA and safety advocate groups that were trying to eliminate the 11-hour driving rule. For the most part, the new rules were a relief to the trucking industry, but there are still many concerns.

Since its inception more than a decade ago, Iowa’s 511 Traveler Information communications network has continually transformed to better meet the needs of Iowa motorists. The Iowa Department of Transportation’s most recent announced improvements to the 511 network includes upgrades to its Web site and phone system, in addition to the integration of social media.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration released today information from its Final Rule on changes to Hours of Service. The Final Rule will be published in the Federal Register on Tuesday, December 27. The effective date of the Final Rule is February 27, 2012, and the compliance date of selected provisions is July 1, 2013.

Question: What is the effective date of the mobile telephone rule? Answer: The effective date of the rule is January 3, 2012. Q: Are wired or wireless earpieces allowed? A: Yes. Hands-free use of a mobile telephone is allowed using either a wired or wireless earpiece, or the speakerphone function of the mobile telephone. Wireless connection of the mobile telephone to the vehicle for hands-free operation of the telephone, which would allow the use of single-button controls on the steering wheel or dashboard, would also be allowed.