If you’ve been following the long-running saga over whether federal law preempts California’s meal and rest break rules for commercial drivers, there’s a significant new development.
On June 4, 2026, the Ninth Circuit issued its decision in People of the State of California ex rel. Becerra v. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, No. 20-70706. The ruling confirms that the FMCSA’s preemption extends to drivers of passenger-carrying commercial motor vehicles — not just the property-hauling truckers covered by the court’s earlier ruling in International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Local 2785 v. FMCSA.
This is a meaningful decision for bus companies, charter operators and other passenger carriers operating in California, and it may reshape how these employers approach compliance with state break requirements. Daniel Kitzes and I break down the the court’s reasoning, and what it all means for employers in our latest post on the California Employment Law blog.
Give it a read. And as always, drive safely.