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FMCSA HOS Rules (Hours of Service) — Drivers’ Working Hours

Last updated: 2025

1. HOS Objectives

The Hours of Service (HOS) rules are established by the U.S. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to:

  • increase road safety,
  • prevent driver fatigue,
  • protect the health and lives of road users.

These rules regulate the maximum working/driving time and minimum rest periods.

2. Core Limits for Property-Carrying Drivers

11-Hour Driving Limit

A driver may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.

14-Hour On-Duty Window

Driving is permitted only within 14 consecutive hours after coming on duty following 10 consecutive hours off duty. Even if the driver has driven less than 11 hours, they must stop working once the 14-hour window expires.

30-Minute Break

After 8 cumulative hours of driving/on duty, the driver must take at least a 30-minute break. The break may be taken as off-duty, sleeper berth, or simply time when the driver is not driving.

60/70-Hour Limit in 7/8 Days

A driver may not drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days, depending on the company’s schedule. The counter may be reset after 34 consecutive hours off duty (the 34-hour restart).

3. Sleeper Berth Provision

A driver may split the required off-duty time into two periods:

  • at least 8 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth, and
  • at least 2 additional hours off-duty (or in the sleeper berth).

Together these two periods must total 10 hours and do not count against the 14-hour window.

4. Additional Provisions

  • Adverse Driving Conditions: drivers may extend the driving limit by up to 2 hours when encountering unexpected adverse conditions.
  • Short-Haul Exception: if a driver operates within a 150 air-mile radius of the work reporting location and returns within 14 hours, full ELD logging may not be required.

5. Driver Responsibilities

Every driver must:

  • comply with all HOS driving and rest time limits,
  • record all required data in the electronic log (ELD),
  • provide HOS records to an inspector upon request.

Violations may result in:

  • fines and penalties for the company and driver,
  • suspension of operations,
  • increased risk to road safety.

6. Quick Reference (Cheat Sheet)

  • 11 hours — maximum consecutive driving.
  • 14 hours — on-duty window after rest.
  • 30 minutes — required break after 8 hours.
  • 60/70 hours — weekly limit over 7/8 days.
  • 34 hours — to reset the duty cycle.