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Hours of Service regulations

Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents in the United States. To address this, the FMCSA enforces strict Hours of Service (HOS) regulations that dictate how long truck drivers can be on the road before resting.

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  • Truck Accident Law Team
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Article 2 of 5 in Trucking Industry Regulations/

Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations

Purpose

  • HOS rules are designed to prevent fatigue-related crashes by limiting driving hours and ensuring adequate rest for commercial truck drivers.
  • They balance safety concerns with the operational needs of the trucking industry.

Key Provisions (for property-carrying drivers)

  1. 11-Hour Driving Limit

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

  2. 14-Hour Limit

    • Drivers may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
    • Off-duty time does not extend this window.

  3. Rest Breaks

    • Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving without at least a 30-minute interruption.

  4. 60/70-Hour Rule

    • 60 hours in 7 days (if company does not operate daily).
    • 70 hours in 8 days (if company operates every day).

  5. 34-Hour Restart

    • Drivers may reset their weekly limit by taking 34 consecutive hours off duty.

Passenger-Carrying Drivers (e.g., buses)

  • Slightly different HOS limits apply: 10-hour driving limit and 15-hour on-duty window.

Compliance Tools

  • Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) automatically record driving time.
  • Paper logbooks are largely phased out, reducing falsification.

Enforcement

  • Violations can result in fines, driver disqualification, or company penalties.
  • Fatigue-related crashes tied to HOS violations often strengthen personal injury claims.
  • Demonstrating an HOS violation can be key evidence of negligence in truck accident cases.
  • Lawyers frequently subpoena ELD data, fuel receipts, and dispatch records to uncover violations.

Summary: HOS regulations are vital safeguards against driver fatigue. By setting maximum driving times and mandating rest, they reduce accident risks and play a crucial role in both highway safety and truck accident litigation.

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Truck Accident Law Team

Written by : Truck Accident Law Team

Attorneys, investigators, and legal writers focused on U.S. trucking safety, litigation strategy, and victim advocacy.

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