Understanding DOT Hours of Service (HOS) Rules

Staying compliant with DOT Hours of Service (HOS) rules isn’t just about avoiding violations–it’s also about keeping drivers safe, well-rested, and ready for the road. For commercial drivers or fleet operators, knowing how many hours you can legally drive and when you need to rest is essential.

In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about HOS regulations—what they mean, who they affect, how they’re tracked, and how you can steer clear of costly violations.. Let’s go!

What Are Hours of Service (HOS)?

HOS stands for Hours of Service, a set of rules issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to regulate how long truck drivers can safely drive. These rules cover:

• How many hours a truck driver can drive in a day or week
• When breaks and off-duty time are required
• How long drivers must rest between shifts

HOS regulations are designed to prevent fatigue, reduce the possibility of crashes, and keep drivers alert. They’re enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and apply to most commercial drivers in the U.S.

Why Are HOS Regulations Important?

DOT Hours of Service rules exist to protect both drivers and the general public. Driving a heavy vehicle while tired, fatigued, or drowsy can have serious consequences on the road. By setting limits on how long drivers can stay behind the wheel, HOS regulations help:

• Minimize fatigue-induced possibility of crashes
• Ensure drivers get enough rest
• Improve road safety nationwide

These rules have been in place since the 1930s and have evolved to keep up with modern demands, especially with the introduction of electronic logging devices (ELDs) and stricter roadside enforcement.

Who Must Follow Hours of Service Regulations?

You must follow HOS regulations if you drive a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) in interstate commerce and your vehicle:

• Weighs 10,001 lbs or more
• Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 10,001 lbs or more
• Is designed to carry 9+ passengers for pay, or 16+ passengers without compensation
• Is hauling hazardous materials requiring placards

Most CDL drivers fall under this category. Even if you only operate intrastate, your state may still follow federal HOS rules, so make sure to check before you hit the road.

How Many Hours Can a Truck Driver Drive?

Understanding the number of hours truck drivers can legally drive might seem confusing at first, but it becomes clearer with practice and routine. The rules differ for property-carrying and passenger-carrying vehicles. 

Here’s a look at the key Hours of Service rules for property-carrying vehicles:

• 11-hour driving limit: Drivers can drive up to 11 hours after taking 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• 14-hour duty limit
  You may not drive after the 14th consecutive hour on duty. Off-duty time does not extend this window.
• 30-minute rest break
  Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving without at least a 30-minute interruption.
• 60/70-hour limit
  You may split your 10-hour off-duty requirement, as long as one period is at least 7 hours in the sleeper berth and the other is at least 2 hours long.
• Sleeper berth rule
  Off-duty time can be split, but one rest period must be 7+ hours in the sleeper berth, and the other 2+ hours, totaling at least 10 hours.

For passenger-carrying vehicles:

• 10-Hour Driving Limit: Maximum of 10 hours driving after 8 consecutive hours off duty.
• 15-Hour Duty Limit: No driving allowed after 15 hours on duty.
• 60/70-Hour Limit: Again, drivers can’t exceed 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days.
• Sleeper Berth Provision:  Can split off-duty time into two periods, both of which must be at least 2 hours, totaling 8 or more hours.

What is the DOT 70-Hour Rule?

The DOT 70-hour rule limits how many hours a driver can be on duty over 8 consecutive days. Once you hit 70 hours, you must take at least 34 hours off to reset the cycle, which ensures rest and driving safety is built into every workweek.

What are HOS Exceptions and Exemptions?

While HOS rules are strict, the FMCSA allows some flexibility for drivers in specific situations. These exemptions help accommodate real-world conditions without compromising safety.

• Adverse driving conditions

If you’re caught in unexpected bad weather, road closures, or heavy traffic due to an accident or unavoidable circumstances; you can extend your driving window by up to 2 hours. That means a driver who normally has 11 hours to drive can legally go up to 13, but only if the delay couldn’t have been anticipated at the start of the shift. Remember, you must still stop if feeling fatigued.

• Short-haul exemption

If you operate within a 150 air-mile radius from your reporting location and complete your workday in 14 hours or less, you’re generally exempt from HOS logging and don’t need an ELD. This exemption applies to many local and short-haul drivers handling regional deliveries or shuttle runs.

How Are Hours of Service Tracked?

Today, Hours of Service are tracked automatically using FMCSA-registered Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs). These devices plug directly into a truck’s engine and record data such as driving time, ignition status, and vehicle movement, removing the need for manual logbooks that are often prone to errors.

Although the FMCSA withdrew its proposal to require speed limiters on commercial trucks in June 2025, the ELD mandate remains fully in place. This means HOS tracking is still essential for most drivers, serving as the agency’s primary tool for monitoring compliance and preventing fatigue-related violations.

What Are Common HOS Violations?

HOS violations can put your CDL and livelihood at risk. Here are the most common mistakes to avoid:

• Driving past 11 or 14-hour limits. Pushing your hours to squeeze that one last load can trigger an automatic violation. It’s one of the first things checked during inspections and it’s easily caught by your ELD.
• Going over 60/70 hours in 7/8 days. These rolling weekly limits sneak up on drivers who aren’t tracking closely. If you don’t reset properly with a 34-hour break, you’re likely to go over without realizing it.
  
• No record of duty status (RODS). Missing logs or failing to show activity puts you in instant violation. No matter how accurate your hours actually are, if they’re not recorded, it’s a red flag for auditors.
• False or incomplete logs. Any attempt to alter, backdate, or skip driving records whether intentionally or not can lead to serious FMCSA penalties. Falsifying logs is considered willful non-compliance.
• Incorrect use of ELDs. Forgetting to switch duty status, not logging off after your shift, or not syncing your ELD correctly can all result in technical violations. Every button press counts.

Violations can be flagged during roadside inspections, weigh station stops, or FMCSA audits.

What Are the Penalties for HOS Violations?

HOS violations can have serious consequences:

• Drivers may be taken off the road immediately until they are back in compliance.
• Fines from law enforcement or the FMCSA can reach up to $16,000 per violation.
• Carriers risk downgraded safety ratings and could face criminal charges for repeated or intentional violations.

What Are Common Mistakes to Avoid?

• Pushing limits: Don’t plan your shift too tightly; allow time for unexpected delays.
• Skipping breaks: Always log your 30-minute rest period on time.
• Poor ELD habits: Double-check your entries. Logging off late or missing status changes can lead to penalties.
• Misusing exemptions: The “adverse driving conditions” exception isn’t a blanket excuse—use it carefully and only when appropriate.

HOS Keeps You Safe and On the Road

Understanding and following Hours of Service (HOS) regulations is essential for staying safe, staying compliant, and keeping your truck on the move. Whether you’re a solo owner-operator or managing an entire fleet, knowing your DOT driving hour limits, using your ELD correctly, and avoiding violations helps prevent headaches, reduces fines, and makes the roads safer for everyone.