How Many Hours Can a Truck Driver Work?

The trucking industry plays a pivotal role in our country’s economy. According to the American Trucking Association’s 2022 report, commercial trucks transported 11.46 billion tons of freight, representing 72% of the total tonnage shipped domestically. These figures are hardly surprising given the number of trucks on our roads.

This industry is certainly important for goods transportation, but it comes with a significant downside. Commercial trucks are involved in thousands of accidents each year, and due to their sheer size, these accidents tend to be catastrophic or even fatal. Among the various causes of truck accidents, driver fatigue is at the top of the list. This necessitated the formation of comprehensive commercial driving regulations that govern the hours of service (HOS) for truck drivers.

What Are Hours of Service (HOS) and Why Do They Exist?

Hours of service are time restrictions that govern truck drivers’ duty cycles, including how long they can drive and when they must take mandatory breaks. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT), established these restrictions. These rules also require truck motorists to use an electronic logging device to track their driving hours and duty status.

While these rules may seem a bit complicated, they play a pivotal role in maintaining safety on our roads. Driver fatigue can be dangerous, often leading to catastrophic accidents that could have been easily avoided. With the HOS guidelines in place, drivers can stay focused, awake, and safe while on the road.

In addition, the HOS commercial driving regulations help curb unhealthy competition among trucking companies that may force their drivers to work longer hours. Such competition can result in dangerous practices that compromise safety.

How Long Can a Truck Driver Work?

The primary regulations stipulating the hours of service for truck motorists are outlined in the HOS regulations in 49 CFR Part 395. They are as follows:

11-hour rule: Under this rule, the driver is allowed to drive for a maximum of 11 hours after being off the road for at least 10 consecutive hours.

14-hour rule: In conjunction with the above rule, a truck driver can’t be on duty (both driving and non-driving work) for more than 14 consecutive hours after coming on duty.

60/70-hour rule: This rule stipulates that a truck driver shouldn’t exceed 60 hours of drive time in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days.

Number and Length of Breaks

In addition to the time limits, the HOS guidelines also state the number and length of truckers’ breaks:

30-minute break: If the driver has been on the road for 8 consecutive hours, they must take a rest break of not less than 30 minutes. Note that this can be fulfilled in cases in which you’re on duty but not driving, such as sitting in a parking lot or waiting for the vehicle to be loaded.

10-hour break: The HOS regulations require drivers to take a 10-hour consecutive break following an 11-hour driving period.

34-hour break: Under this rule, the motorist must take a break of 34 hours following a 60/70-hour driving period within seven or eight consecutive days.

What About Exceptions?

There are some exceptions to the driving hours limits for truckers, and it’s important to know when they apply if you’re in this industry:

Poor weather conditions: If you’re dealing with bad weather or poor road conditions, it can take additional time to find a safe spot to get off the road. While the 14-hour rule still applies, an exception of two extra hours is allowed in such a situation.

Short haul: You are exempt from keeping logs if you only drive within a 15-mile radius and go back to your spot within 14 hours.

Same location: If you have a one-day task that begins and ends in the same location, you’re allowed to drive for 16 hours. However, this exemption does not apply if there’s a layover and can only be used once before the 34-hour break is required.

Yard moves: If you’re in a restricted-access area, truck drivers have the option to drive while being considered on duty rather than in a driving status.

Personal conveyance: If you’re using the vehicle for personal use, then you’re exempt from the HOS guidelines.

Emergency: Under a state or federal emergency declaration, you can perform your runs in order to deliver emergency assistance.

Who Must Comply With HOS Regulations?

The HOS guidelines apply to anyone driving a commercial vehicle. Commercial vehicles are trailers or trucks involved in interstate commerce and fall within the following categories:

Weigh at least 10,000 pounds
Have a total vehicle weight rating of more than 10,000 pounds
Transport hazardous items in quantities that require placards

Team drivers are also required to follow these regulations, as their rules are the same as those of solo drivers.

What Are the Repercussions of Non-Compliance?

Both truckers and trucking companies have a responsibility to ensure compliance with the hours of service regulations. Failure to do so can lead to penalties, fines, and the potential suspension of a commercial driver’s license (CDL). In severe or repeated cases, both the driver and the trucking company may face federal charges.

Call Us Now for Sound Legal Assistance

We cannot overstate the importance of DOT hours of service commercial driving regulations, as they contribute to safer roads, fewer accidents, and the well-being of the whole trucking industry. With technological advancements in this sector and a commitment to safety, the FMCSA actively refines these regulations to adapt to the evolving needs of the industry.

As a premier law firm, Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers provides counsel in matters involving the trucking industry. Accidents happen, even to the most alert on the road, due to an array of reasons. There are intricacies in the HOS regulations that the average truck driver may not be aware of, and it is our job to help. Call our offices today and discover the difference our team can make in your case.

Sources

1. About Us. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Accessed on 29th Sept, 2023.

2. About DOT. U.S. Department of Transportation. Accessed on 29th Sept, 2023.

3. Code of Federal Regulations. Hours of Service of Drivers. Accessed on 29th Sept, 2023.

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