“Hours of service” refers to the maximum duration of time that drivers are allowed to be on duty, which includes the driving time. It also describes the number and duration of rest breaks, which is intended to help ensure that drivers remain awake and attentive. The Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules, which are located in 49 CFR 395, must generally be followed by all carriers and drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). Violation of hours of service rules is one of the most common causes of truck accidents. If you have been hurt in a truck accident, speak with truck accident attorneys for step-by-step assistance and to prevent any violations.
Who All Must Comply?
Compliance is required for the majority of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. Generally speaking, a CMV is a vehicle that meets any of the following criteria, is utilized for business purposes, and engages in interstate commerce:
- Has a weight of 10,001 pounds or more
- Having a gross combination weight rating or gross vehicle rating of 10,001 pounds or more
- Used or made for transporting 16 or more passengers (with driver included) not for monetary gains
- Used or made for transporting 9 or more passengers (with driver included) for monetary gains
- Used for carrying hazardous substances that requires sign boards
HOS Regulations
The following table lists out the HOS regulations for both passenger-commuting and property-carrying drivers.
| PROPERTY-CARRYING DRIVERS | PASSENGER-COMMUTING DRIVERS |
| 11-Hour Driving Limit Following 10 straight hours off duty, a maximum of 11 hours may be spent driving. | 10-Hour Driving Limit Following 8 straight hours off duty, a maximum of 10 hours may be spent driving. |
| 14-Hour Driving Limit Not allowed to drive for more than 14 hours straight after reporting for duty after 10 hours off. The 14-hour timeframe does not extend during off-duty time. | 15-Hour Driving Limit Not allowed to drive for more than 15 hours straight after reporting for duty after 8 hours off. The 15-hour timeframe does not extend during off-duty time. |
| 30-Minute Driving Rest After eight cumulative hours of driving without at least a 30-minute break, drivers are required to take a 30-minute rest. Any 30-minute non-driving period (i.e., off-duty, sleeper berth, on-duty not driving, or any combination of these taken consecutively) may be used to fulfil the requirements for the break. | |
| 60/70-Hour Cap After working 60 or 70 hours in a row, you are not allowed to drive. After taking 34 or more consecutive hours off work, a driver may resume work on a 7 or 8th consecutive day. | 60/70-Hour Cap After working 60–70 hours in 7–8 days in a row, you are not allowed to drive. |
| Sleeper Berth Facility Drivers are allowed to divide their ten-hour mandatory off-duty period, provided that they spend at least two hours in the sleeper berth and at least seven hours in the sleeper berth during the other off-duty period. Every combination of sleeper berths MUST equal a minimum of ten hours. Combined, neither time frame is deducted from the allotted maximum driving window of 14 hours. | Sleeper Berth Facility Drivers utilizing a sleeper berth are required to spend a minimum of eight hours in the sleeper berth; however, they may divide that time into two sessions as long as none of them is shorter than two hours. Every combination of sleeper berths must equal a minimum of 8 hours. |
| Difficult Driving Conditions When poor driving circumstances arise, drivers are permitted to extend the 14-hour driving window and the 11-hour maximum driving limit by a maximum of two hours. | Difficult Driving Conditions When poor driving circumstances arise, drivers are permitted to extend the 10-hour driving window and the 15-hour maximum driving limit by a maximum of two hours. |
| Short-Haul Exception If a driver operates within 150 air miles of the regular work reporting station and does not exceed a maximum duty time of 14 hours, they are exempt from the requirements of §395.8 and §395.11. When utilizing the short-haul exception outlined in §395.1(e)(1), drivers are required to stay within a 150-air-mile radius of the job reporting point and report and return to it within 14 consecutive hours. | Short-Haul Exception If a driver operates within 150 air miles of the regular work reporting station and does not exceed a maximum duty time of 14 hours, they are exempt from the requirements of §395.8 and §395.11. When utilizing the short-haul exception outlined in §395.1(e)(1), drivers are required to stay within a 150-air-mile radius of the job reporting point and report and return to it within 14 consecutive hours. |
Final Thoughts
Following hours of service regulations is important to avoid accidents. Get the help of truck accident lawyers if you have been hit by a truck. The lawyer will investigate the case and get you the compensation you deserve.
Also Read; Tips for Boosting HGV Driver Motivation with Incentives and Recognition
