Introduction to Daylight Saving Time
Wondering when it is time to set your clocks back this year?
When Does Daylight Saving Time End?
Daylight savings time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. Getting an extra hour of sleep is a perk of turning back the clocks one hour in the fall, but what started the practice?
History of Daylight Saving Time
The Uniform Time Act of 1966 (15 U.S.C. §§ 260-64) established a system of uniform daylight saving time throughout the United States and its possessions, and provides that either Congress or the Secretary of Transportation can change a time-zone boundary. The act specifies that daylight time applies from 2 a.m. on the second Sunday of March until 2 a.m. on the first Sunday of November in areas that do not specifically exempt themselves.
Origin of Daylight Saving Time
The origin of daylight saving time has a definite link to commerce. “In 1883, U.S. and Canadian railroads adopted a four-zone system to govern their operations and reduce the confusion resulting from some 100 conflicting locally established ‘sun times’ observed in terminals across the country,” the U.S. Department of Transportation website states. “States and municipalities then adopted one of the four zones, which were the eastern, central, mountain, and Pacific Time zones.”
Early Adoption of DST
The observance of DST began during World War I in Europe. “Federal oversight of time zones began in 1918 with the enactment of the Standard Time Act, which vested the Interstate Commerce Commission with the responsibility for establishing boundaries between the standard time zones in the continental United States,” the DOT website states. This was the first time DST was observed in the U.S. and it was quickly repealed on Aug. 20, 1919.
Current Status of Daylight Saving Time
The National Conference of State Legislatures lists 35 states that have or are considering legislation related to daylight saving time and many other states do so each year. Saying goodbye to daylight saving time is a topic of discussion, with some proposing to make daylight saving time permanent.
Proposal to Make Daylight Saving Time Permanent
Here’s what you need to know about the proposal to make daylight saving time permanent.
Conclusion
Daylight saving time is a practice that has been in place for many years, with its origins dating back to World War I. With the end of daylight saving time approaching, it’s essential to remember to set your clocks back one hour on Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025. As the debate about making daylight saving time permanent continues, it’s crucial to stay informed about the latest developments.
FAQs
- Q: When does daylight saving time end in 2025?
- A: Daylight saving time ends at 2 a.m. Sunday, Nov. 2, 2025.
- Q: What is the purpose of daylight saving time?
- A: The purpose of daylight saving time is to make better use of natural daylight during the summer months by setting the clocks an hour ahead.
- Q: Which states are considering legislation related to daylight saving time?
- A: According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 35 states have or are considering legislation related to daylight saving time.
Originally Published: October 20, 2025 at 9:30 AM PDT
- A: According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, 35 states have or are considering legislation related to daylight saving time.
