Americans are curious about when does daylight savings time end permanently in the US.
Daylight Savings Time (DST) in the United States has long been a topic of debate, with both proponents and critics weighing in on its benefits and drawbacks. Currently, most of the country observes DST, which involves setting clocks forward by one hour in the spring and back by one hour in the fall. Traditionally, DST begins on the second Sunday of March and ends on the first Sunday of November. However, there is growing discussion in the United States about making DST permanent.
The movement to adopt permanent DST, sometimes referred to as “year-round daylight time,” has gained momentum in recent years. Advocates argue that keeping DST year-round would reduce energy consumption, improve public health, and enhance overall safety. The rationale is that having more daylight during the evening hours encourages outdoor activities, reduces traffic accidents, and decreases energy usage by minimizing artificial lighting needs.
Which States Want a Permanent End to Daylight Savings Time?
Several states have taken steps toward permanent DST. For instance, Florida passed the “Sunshine Protection Act” in 2018, which aims to keep the state on daylight savings time year-round. However, for such legislation to take effect nationally, federal approval is required. Under current U.S. law, the federal government controls time observance, and states cannot unilaterally decide to adopt year-round DST without congressional authorization.
Congress has considered several bills to make DST permanent nationwide. The “Sunshine Protection Act of 2021” passed the U.S. Senate in March 2022, signaling strong support for eliminating the biannual clock changes. If enacted, this legislation would keep Americans on daylight savings time permanently, effectively ending the switch back to standard time. However, as of now, the bill has not completed the legislative process, meaning the end of DST has not yet been made permanent.
Critics of permanent DST caution that while evening daylight would be extended, morning daylight during winter months would be reduced, potentially creating challenges for schools and early-morning workers. Some studies also suggest that abrupt changes in sleep patterns caused by the clock shift can have negative health consequences, but permanent DST could mitigate these effects by removing the biannual disruption altogether.
The debate is further complicated by regional differences. Certain U.S. states, like Arizona (excluding the Navajo Nation) and Hawaii, do not observe DST at all and remain on standard time year-round. Their experience provides valuable insights into the potential effects of a permanent time schedule. Arizona, for example, enjoys a consistent schedule year-round but faces extremely early sunrises in winter that some residents find inconvenient.
The business community generally favors permanent DST, citing potential economic benefits. Studies indicate that longer daylight hours in the evening can lead to increased consumer spending in retail, tourism, and entertainment sectors. Additionally, reduced energy demand could save billions in electricity costs over time. Transportation and logistics industries also support the idea, as extended daylight can improve visibility and safety for drivers.
Despite widespread support for permanent DST, federal implementation remains pending. Until legislation is signed into law, Americans will continue to adjust their clocks twice annually, with the next scheduled end of DST set for the first Sunday in November. At that time, clocks are set back one hour, marking the transition from daylight savings time to standard time.
The permanent end of daylight savings time in the U.S. is currently under legislative discussion, but no national date has been established. While state-level initiatives and congressional proposals show strong momentum, full implementation depends on federal approval. For now, the United States maintains the existing schedule, with DST ending each November.
