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FMCSA Split Sleeper Berth and Split Duty Period Pilot Programs: What They Test and Who Can Join

Reviewed by Austin Park, founder of ICR Filings · Updated October 28, 2026

The short answer
  • FMCSA is running two hours of service pilot programs: a Flexible Sleeper Berth pilot and a Split Duty Period pilot.
  • Pre-tests with nine drivers each ran in spring and summer 2026. The full programs open in 2027 with 256 drivers each.
  • The pilots only apply to enrolled drivers. Everyone else still follows today's rules, including the 7/3 or 8/2 sleeper split.
  • To be considered for 2027, FMCSA asks drivers and carriers to email pilots@dot.gov.

"FMCSA split sleeper berth pilot" went from almost no searches to a breakout this fall, and drivers keep asking whether the rules already changed. They have not, except for the few drivers enrolled in a test. Here is what the two pilots are, how they compare with today's rules, and how to get in line for 2027.

Today's rule, for comparison

Under 49 CFR 395.1(g), a property-carrying driver using a sleeper berth can split the required 10 hours off duty into two periods if:

  • Neither period is shorter than 2 consecutive hours
  • One period is at least 7 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth
  • The two periods total at least 10 hours

That is where the familiar 7/3 and 8/2 splits come from. A qualifying split does not count against the 14-hour window, and driving before and after each rest period still has to fit the 11-hour and 14-hour limits.

Pilot 1: Flexible Sleeper Berth

This pilot tests whether drivers can match their rest to real conditions by splitting the 10 hours into two periods in any combination, as long as the two total at least 10 hours and one includes at least 5 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth. A 5/5 or 6/4 split would be allowed for enrolled drivers.

Pilot 2: Split Duty Period

This pilot tests whether drivers can safely pause the 14-hour window for up to 3 hours a day while in a qualifying non-driving status:

  • Off duty
  • Sleeper berth
  • On duty at a pickup or delivery location

The idea is to stop traffic, weather, and detention at a shipper from eating the driving day. FMCSA says it will monitor shippers during the pilot so the added flexibility does not lead to more detention.

Where the pilots stand

  1. September 2025FMCSA launched both pilot programs.
  2. April 1 to June 11, 2026Flexible Sleeper Berth pre-test: nine drivers from three carriers in Ohio, Virginia, and Wisconsin, six weeks each, $600 per driver.
  3. May 18 to July 17, 2026Split Duty Period pre-test: nine drivers from three carriers in Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Ohio, six weeks each, $600 per driver.
  4. August 27, 2026FMCSA said it is reviewing pre-test results to refine both programs.
  5. 2027Full launch: 256 drivers per pilot, 512 in all, four months each, up to $1,600 per driver.
512
drivers across both 2027 pilots
4 months
participation per driver
$1,600
maximum payment per driver
Source: FMCSA, August 27, 2026.

How to get involved

FMCSA asks professional drivers and motor carriers interested in the 2027 pilots to send their contact information to pilots@dot.gov. FMCSA has not published the 2027 selection criteria yet. Expect an active USDOT number and a clean, current record to matter for any carrier taking part, so it is a good time to read your FMCSA company snapshot and catch up on anything overdue.

Our Compliance Check reviews your FMCSA record and tells you exactly what is due.

Common questions

Can I use a 5 and 5 sleeper split now?

No, not unless you are enrolled in the pilot. Today's rule requires one period of at least 7 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth, another of at least 2 hours, and at least 10 hours total.

What does the Flexible Sleeper Berth pilot allow?

Participating drivers can split their 10 hours off duty into two periods in any combination, as long as the two total at least 10 hours and one includes at least 5 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth.

What does the Split Duty Period pilot allow?

Participating drivers can pause their 14-hour driving window for up to 3 hours a day while in a qualifying non-driving status: off duty, sleeper berth, or on duty at a pickup or delivery location.

When do the pilot programs start?

FMCSA says the full pilot programs launch in 2027. Pre-tests ran April 1 to June 11, 2026 (sleeper berth) and May 18 to July 17, 2026 (split duty).

Do participants get paid?

Yes. FMCSA says drivers in the 2027 programs will take part for four months and can receive up to $1,600 for completing all study tasks.

How do I sign up?

FMCSA asks professional drivers and motor carriers interested in the 2027 pilots to send their contact information to pilots@dot.gov.

Official sources

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules and fees change, so confirm with the official source before you file.

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