Washington, D.C. — Rep. Chris Pappas, D‑New Hampshire, added his name to the Trucker Bathroom Access Act (HR3869) on September 5, 2026, bringing the bipartisan roster to six members of Congress.
The legislation targets a long‑standing gripe among long‑haul operators: being turned away from loading dock restrooms while hauling freight across state lines. Since the pandemic shut many facilities to non‑employees in 2020, drivers have faced increasing denial of basic bathroom access, forcing unsafe stops and costly detours. The bill would require any shipper or receiver that already offers public or employee restrooms to extend that privilege to truck drivers during loading or unloading, without obligating new construction.
Originally filed by Rep. Troy Nehls, R‑Texas, in the 118th Congress, the measure was re‑introduced in June 2025 after stalling in the previous session. Nehls described the proposal as a “no‑brainer” because it imposes no financial burden on businesses. During a House Transportation hearing in March 2025, he warned that certain lobbyists had tried to sink the bill, likening their tactics to forcing lobbyists to relieve themselves outdoors. The latest co‑sponsor tally now includes three Republicans and three Democrats, reflecting growing consensus that driver welfare should not be a partisan issue.
What This Means for Drivers
For CDL‑A drivers and owner‑operators, the act promises a predictable stop for restroom use without having to search for a truck‑stop or pay for a pay‑per‑use facility. Fleet managers can schedule deliveries with confidence that drivers will not need to add unsanctioned breaks, reducing route variance and fuel waste. OTR truck drivers who spend weeks away from home will gain a basic human right that has been denied at many distribution centers, potentially lowering driver turnover and improving compliance with FMCSA regulations on driver rest periods.
Industry Reaction
The Owner‑Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA), Women in Trucking, and the American Trucking Associations all issued statements supporting the bill. OOIDA argued that “if a business provides restroom access to customers or employees, they should provide the same access to truck drivers who are loading or unloading cargo.” The groups urged members to sign petitions on OOIDA’s Fighting For Truckers site and to contact their congressional delegations. While some small‑business owners worry about liability, the consensus among carriers is that the measure simply codifies a practice already in place at many facilities.
Key Points
- Bill mandates restroom access for drivers at any facility with public or employee bathrooms.
- No new construction required; businesses incur zero cost.
- Co‑sponsor count reached six, split evenly between Republicans and Democrats.
- Supported by OOIDA, Women in Trucking, and the American Trucking Associations.
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