Basic Hours of Service

Hours of Service (HOS) rules are the backbone of legal trucking. They limit how long you can drive and work, and when you must rest. If you are new to driving, or just need a refresher, this guide covers the basics: the 11-hour drive limit, 14-hour work window, 30-minute break, 10-hour rest, and the 60/70-hour limits. You also need to know the exceptions and how to apply them with your ELD. Let’s get into it.

The Core Rules at a Glance

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the HOS rules for property-carrying drivers. Here are the main limits, as of 2026. These apply to most commercial drivers operating in interstate commerce.

Rule	Limit	What It Means
11-Hour Driving Limit	11 hours max	After 10 consecutive hours off duty, you can drive up to 11 hours.
14-Hour On-Duty Window	14 hours max	You cannot drive after being on duty for 14 hours since your last 10-hour break. This window includes all work, not just driving.
30-Minute Break	30 minutes	After 8 hours of driving, you must take a 30-minute break before driving again. The break can be off duty, sleeper berth, or on duty not driving.
10-Hour Rest	10 hours min	You must take at least 10 consecutive hours off duty between shifts.
60/70-Hour Limit	60 or 70 hours	You cannot drive after being on duty for 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days. The limit depends on whether your carrier operates every day of the week.

These rules are for property-carrying drivers. Passenger and oilfield rules differ. Always check the FMCSA website for the latest updates.

The 14-Hour Window Explained

The 14-hour window is often the most confusing. It starts the moment you come on duty, even if you are just doing a pre-trip inspection. Once that clock starts, you have 14 hours to complete all work, including driving. You must stop driving by the end of the 14th hour, even if you have not used all 11 driving hours.

Example: You start your day at 6 AM with a pre-trip. Your 14-hour window ends at 8 PM. If you drive for 9 hours, you still must stop driving by 8 PM. You cannot drive after that, even if you have 2 driving hours left.

The 30-Minute Break Rule

You must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving. This break can be taken anytime after 8 hours of driving, but before you exceed 8 hours. For example, if you drive 8 hours straight, you must take 30 minutes off before driving again. The break can be off duty, in the sleeper berth, or on duty not driving (like fueling or loading). It cannot be driving time.

Sleeper Berth Split Sleeper Rules

If your truck has a sleeper berth, you can split your 10-hour rest into two periods. One period must be at least 7 hours in the sleeper, and the other at least 2 hours. The 2-hour period can be off duty or in the sleeper. This split does not extend the 14-hour window, but it can help you manage fatigue.

Example: You drive 5 hours, take a 3-hour nap in the sleeper, then drive 5 more hours. You have used 10 hours of your 14-hour window, but you have only driven 10 hours. You can then take a 7-hour sleeper break and start a new 14-hour window.

The 60/70-Hour Limit and Restart

The 60/70-hour limit is a rolling total. You cannot drive after being on duty for 60 hours in 7 consecutive days (if your carrier operates 6 days a week) or 70 hours in 8 days (if your carrier operates 7 days a week).

To reset your clock, you must take 34 consecutive hours off duty. This is called the 34-hour restart. You can use this restart at any time, but you must include two periods from 1 AM to 5 AM in your restart. This rule is still in effect as of 2026.

Exceptions and Exemptions

There are several exceptions to the basic rules. The most common include:

• Short-haul exception: If you drive within a 150 air-mile radius of your work location and return to it within 14 hours, you are exempt from the ELD requirement and the 30-minute break rule. You still must follow the 11-hour and 14-hour limits.
• Adverse driving conditions: If you encounter unexpected weather or traffic, you can extend your driving time by up to 2 hours, but you must not exceed 13 hours of driving and 16 hours on duty.
• Oilfield operations: Special rules allow for waiting time to be excluded from the 14-hour window.
• Agricultural operations: Exemptions during planting and harvest seasons, but they vary by state.

Always check with your carrier or the FMCSA for the full list of exceptions.

Practical Steps for ELD Compliance

Your ELD is your digital logbook. It records your driving time automatically, but you must manage your status. Here are practical steps to stay compliant:

1. Set your status correctly: Use “on duty not driving” for any work like loading, fueling, or inspections. Do not leave it on “driving” when you are stopped.
2. Edit logs for mistakes: If you forget to change status, edit the log immediately. Unedited errors can lead to violations.
3. Know your ELD’s features: Learn how to add comments, edit logs, and transfer data. Most ELDs have a training mode.
4. Plan your day: Use your ELD’s planning tools to estimate your hours. Aim to finish with a buffer of at least 30 minutes to avoid violations.
5. Take breaks seriously: Use your 30-minute break to rest, not to do paperwork. Fatigue is a real killer.

Common Violations and How to Avoid Them

Common HOS violations include:

• Driving beyond 11 hours: This is the most frequent violation. Set a personal alarm at 10.5 hours.
• Exceeding the 14-hour window: Track your on-duty time carefully, including pre-trip.
• Missing the 30-minute break: Set a timer on your phone or ELD.
• False logs: Never edit logs to hide violations. That is a serious offense.

FAQ

Can I drive more than 11 hours if I feel fine? No. The 11-hour limit is a hard limit. Even if you feel alert, you must stop driving at 11 hours. Violations can lead to fines and out-of-service orders.

Does the 14-hour window include breaks? Yes. The 14-hour window includes all on-duty time, including breaks, loading, and fueling. Only off-duty or sleeper berth time does not count.

What happens if I violate HOS rules? You can receive a citation, a fine (typically $100-$500 per violation), and possibly an out-of-service order. Repeated violations can affect your CSA score and your job.

Can I use the 34-hour restart every week? Yes, but you must include two 1 AM to 5 AM periods in the restart. You can use it as often as needed, but you must track your hours accurately.

The Bottom Line

HOS rules are not optional. They keep you and others safe. Master the basics: 11, 14, 30, 10, and 60/70. Use your ELD correctly, plan your day, and take breaks. If you are unsure about a rule, ask your carrier or check the FMCSA website. Stay legal, stay safe, and keep rolling.