Full explanation
Hours of Service (HOS) regulations (49 CFR Part 395) establish maximum driving and on-duty times for commercial motor vehicle operators to prevent fatigue-related crashes. Key rules for property-carrying drivers include: 11-hour driving limit (maximum driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty), 14-hour on-duty window (all driving must occur within 14 hours of coming on duty), 30-minute break (required after 8 cumulative hours of driving), 60/70-hour limit (maximum on-duty hours in 7/8 consecutive days), and 34-hour restart (resets the 60/70-hour clock after 34+ consecutive hours off-duty). Since December 2017, most CMV drivers must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to automatically record driving time, replacing paper logbooks. HOS violations are captured in the Hours-of-Service Compliance BASIC and are among the most common violations found during roadside inspections. Carriers with systemic HOS violations face intervention thresholds at the 65th percentile and may receive targeted investigations focused on their scheduling practices and driver management systems.
Source: FMCSA: Hours of Service
Frequently asked questions
How many hours can a truck driver drive per day?
Property-carrying drivers can drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty. All driving must be completed within a 14-hour window after the driver comes on duty.
What is the 34-hour restart?
After reaching the 60-hour (7-day) or 70-hour (8-day) limit, a driver can reset their available hours by taking at least 34 consecutive hours off-duty. This allows them to start a new driving period with full available hours.
Are there exceptions to HOS rules?
Yes. Short-haul exemption (within 150 air-mile radius), adverse driving conditions (up to 2 extra driving hours), agricultural exemption (during harvest), and 16-hour short-haul exception (once per 7-day period, extends window without additional driving).
Related terms
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Unsafe Driving BASICFMCSA safety category measuring carrier violations related to dangerous driving ...
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Out-of-Service RateThe percentage of roadside inspections that result in a vehicle, driver, or carr...