Canadian Federal Hours of Service Regulations

If you’re driving in Canada, the federal hours of service (HOS) rules are different from the US ones. They set daily driving limits, daily on-duty limits, and cycle limits that you must follow. This guide breaks down the key numbers, how to track your hours, and what to do if you’re audited. As of 2026, the rules are based on the Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations, but always check the latest version on Transport Canada’s website.

Daily Driving and On-Duty Limits

For most property-carrying drivers, the daily limits are:

• Driving limit: 13 hours in a day (after 8 consecutive hours off duty)
• On-duty limit: 14 hours in a day (includes driving and all other work)
• Off-duty requirement: At least 8 consecutive hours off duty before starting a new day

A “day” is defined as any 24-hour period that starts at the time the driver begins work after being off duty for at least 8 consecutive hours. You cannot drive after you’ve been on duty for 14 hours, even if you haven’t driven 13 hours.

For example, if you start work at 6:00 AM, you can drive until 7:00 PM (13 hours) but must stop by 8:00 PM (14 hours on duty). After that, you need 8 consecutive hours off before starting again.

Cycle Limits (Weekly and Bi-Weekly)

Cycle limits cap your total on-duty time over a period. There are two options:

• Cycle 1 (7-day cycle): 70 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days
• Cycle 2 (14-day cycle): 120 hours on duty in 14 consecutive days

You must choose one cycle and stick with it. Once you hit the limit, you must take at least 24 consecutive hours off duty before starting a new cycle. You can also reset your cycle by taking 36 or more consecutive hours off duty (for Cycle 1) or 72 hours (for Cycle 2), but only if you haven’t exceeded the limit.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Cycle	On-duty limit	Reset requirement
Cycle 1	70 hours in 7 days	36 consecutive hours off
Cycle 2	120 hours in 14 days	72 consecutive hours off

Most long-haul drivers use Cycle 1 because it’s simpler. If you’re new, check with your carrier which cycle they use.

Rest and Off-Duty Requirements

Beyond the daily 8-hour break, you must also take:

• A 30-minute rest break after no more than 5 hours of driving (can be taken as on-duty, not driving, or off-duty)
• At least 24 consecutive hours off duty each week (in addition to daily off-duty periods)

For example, if you drive 5 hours straight, you must take a 30-minute break before driving again. This break can be spent doing paperwork or waiting, as long as you’re not driving.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) and Records

Since 2021, most commercial vehicles in Canada must use an ELD that meets the Canadian standard. The ELD automatically records your driving time, but you still need to manually add on-duty time (like loading, fueling, inspections).

Your ELD must be certified by Transport Canada. If you use paper logs, you must keep them for 6 months. ELD data must be kept for 6 months as well. Always carry a user manual for your ELD, and know how to print or email your logs if asked.

Exemptions and Special Cases

Some drivers are exempt from parts of the HOS rules, including:

• Oil and gas well servicing (has different limits)
• Commercial vehicle used for public works (e.g., snowplows)
• Drivers in a 160 km radius (if the carrier has a special permit)
• Farm vehicles (in some provinces)

If you think you might be exempt, check with your carrier or Transport Canada. Don’t assume you’re exempt without written confirmation.

How to Stay Compliant

Here are practical steps you can take this week:

1. Know your cycle: Confirm which cycle you’re on (1 or 2) and track your on-duty hours daily.
2. Use your ELD properly: Enter all on-duty time as it happens, not at the end of the day.
3. Plan your day: Before you start, estimate your driving and on-duty time to avoid hitting limits mid-load.
4. Take your 30-minute break: Set a reminder on your ELD or phone after 4.5 hours of driving.
5. Review your logs weekly: Look for errors and correct them before they become violations.

FAQ

Q: Can I drive more than 13 hours if I take a longer break? No. The 13-hour driving limit is a hard cap per day, regardless of breaks. You cannot extend it.

Q: What happens if I exceed the cycle limit? You’ll be in violation, which can result in fines (typically $200-$500 per offense) and possible out-of-service orders. Your carrier may also face penalties.

Q: Do I need an ELD if I drive in Canada only? Yes, if you’re required to keep logs (most commercial drivers), you must use a certified ELD. Some exceptions exist for older vehicles, but they’re rare.

Q: How do Canadian rules compare to US HOS? The US allows 11 hours of driving and 14 hours on duty, with a 30-minute break after 8 hours. Canada is stricter: 13 driving hours but a 14-hour on-duty cap, and a 30-minute break after 5 hours. Also, Canada has cycle limits (70/7 or 120/14) while the US has a 60/7 or 70/8 rule.

The bottom line

Canadian federal HOS rules are clear: 13 hours driving, 14 hours on duty, 8 hours off, and a 30-minute break after 5 hours. You must also follow a cycle limit (70/7 or 120/14) and use an ELD. The key is to track your time accurately and plan your day to avoid violations. If you’re new to Canada, take time to learn these rules because they differ from the US. Always check Transport Canada’s website for the latest updates, as regulations can change.