Getting started in the trucking industry means more than learning how to operate a rig. One of the most important things new drivers need to understand is the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations hours of service. These regulations are in place to help keep drivers safe, reduce fatigue-related crashes, and ensure everyone on the road is protected.
Below, we’ll overview the FMCSA essentials for new drivers and owner-operators looking to stay compliant. For assured accuracy, always refer to the official FMCSA regulations to ensure you are following them correctly.
What Are HOS Rules and Why Do They Matter?
Hours of service rules are regulations from the FMCSA that limit the amount of time drivers can be on the road or on duty before they must rest. The goal is to prevent fatigue, which is a significant factor in commercial vehicle crashes. These rules apply to most commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers and are a critical part of daily operations for anyone with a CDL.
Main HOS Rules You Need to Know
To operate legally and safely, drivers must understand the core HOS rules that apply to their daily schedules. These rules are published and maintained by the FMCSA. The most current rules can always be found atfmcsa.dot.gov.
11-Hour Driving Limit
According to DOT hours of service guidelines, property-carrying drivers may drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. No driving is allowed beyond the 11th hour.
14-Hour On-Duty Window
Drivers have a 14-hour on-duty window each day. After 10 consecutive hours off duty, you can work for 14 hours straight, but only 11 of those hours can be spent driving. Once the 14-hour window ends, you must take a full 10-hour break before working again.
30-Minute Break Rule
Once you’ve driven for 8 cumulative hours without at least a 30-minute break, you must take one. This can be off-duty time, sleeper berth time, or even on-duty time not spent driving.
60/70-Hour Rule
CDL hours of service rules also limit how many hours you can be on duty over a period of consecutive days. You may not drive after 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days, depending on your company’s schedule. Restarting this cycle requires at least 34 consecutive hours off duty.
Sleeper Berth Options
You can use the sleeper berth to meet your rest requirements as long as one off-duty period is at least 2 hours long and the other is at least 7 consecutive hours spent in the sleeper berth. Together, they must add up to at least 10 hours.
Exceptions That Give You Some Flexibility
These hours of service rules for truck drivers are important, but some exemptions give you room to adjust based on your route, schedule, and conditions.
Short-Haul Exemption
If you operate within a 150-mile air radius and return to your starting location within 14 hours, you may qualify for the short-haul exemption. You must start and end your shift at the same place and remain within the limit throughout your workday.
Adverse Driving Conditions
FMCSA hours of service rules allow you to extend the 11-hour driving limit and 14-hour duty window by up to 2 hours if you encounter weather or traffic conditions that couldn’t have been anticipated before the trip began.
Split Sleeper Berth Rule
This rule allows you to divide your required 10-hour off-duty time into two qualifying periods. For example, you could rest for 7 hours in the sleeper berth and later take a 3-hour off-duty break to meet the full requirement.
Emergency Exemptions
Certain emergencies, like natural disasters or national emergencies, trigger temporary HOS trucking exemptions. The FMCSA may lift or modify rules to allow drivers to deliver essential supplies or provide services without delay.
FAQs
What are ELDs?
Electronic logging devices (ELDs) track driving time and ensure compliance with HOS rules. They automatically record engine data and vehicle movement.
What happens if you break HOS rules?
Violating HOS can lead to fines, citations, or being placed out of service until compliant rest is taken. Repeated violations can also affect your safety rating.
Who enforces HOS?
HOS compliance is enforced by the FMCSA and local law enforcement through roadside inspections, audits, and ELD data reviews.
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