Stay Compliant, Stay Safe: Your Guide to Hours of Service
What Are Hours of Service (HOS)?
Hours of Service (HOS) are federal safety regulations that limit how long commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers can be on duty and behind the wheel. These rules are designed to reduce fatigue-related accidents, ensure drivers get adequate rest, and keep everyone on the road safe.
- US interstate CMV drivers
- For-hire and private carriers operating CMVs over 10,001 lbs
- Vehicles carrying hazardous materials requiring placards
- Vehicles designed for 9+ passengers (for hire) or 16+ passengers (not for hire)
HOS rules apply to CMVs over 10,001 lbs GVWR/GCWR, vehicles transporting hazardous materials that require placards, and passenger vehicles designed to carry 9 or more passengers for hire or 16 or more passengers not for hire.
There are several exemptions, including for short-haul drivers within 150 air-miles, and for certain agricultural and utility service drivers, and in certain scenarios. To check if you’re exempt, you’ll want to compare your situation against FMCSA’s defined categories.
- 11-Hour Driving Limit – You can drive for up to 11 hours, but only after you’ve had 10 straight hours off-duty.
- 14-Hour On-Duty Window – Once your workday starts, you’ve got a 14-hour window to drive. After that, no more driving, even if you haven’t used all 11 hours.
- 30-Minute Break Rule – After 8 hours of driving, you need to take at least a 30-minute break before getting back behind the wheel.
- Weekly Limits (60/70 Rule) – You can’t drive more than 60 hours in 7 days, or 70 hours in 8 days. To reset, you’ll need 34 hours off-duty in a row.
- Sleeper Berth Flexibility – You don’t have to take all 10 off-duty hours at once. You can split them into two chunks, as long as one period is at least 7 hours spent in the sleeper berth.
Drivers must maintain Records of Duty Status (RODS) unless exempt.
Accepted record types:
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) – mandatory since Dec 2017 for most drivers
- Paper Logs – allowed only for exempt cases
- Supporting Documents – fuel receipts, bills of lading, dispatch records
Staying compliant with HOS rules keeps you aligned with FMCSA safety regulations, helps prevent fatigue-related crashes while promoting driver well-being, and protects you from hefty penalties or out-of-service orders during inspections.
Violating HOS rules can result in out-of-service orders for drivers, fines of up to $16,864 per violation (2025 rates), and even a downgrade of your carrier safety rating during FMCSA audits.
- Determine if HOS Applies
First, check whether your vehicles and drivers are actually covered by HOS rules. Not everyone is. - Set Up Recordkeeping
If you’re required, use an ELD (Electronic Logging Device). If you qualify for an exemption, you can stick with paper logs.
Don’t forget to collect onboarding forms for first-time or part-time drivers. - Train Your Drivers and Staff
Make sure drivers understand the basics: driving limits, required breaks, and weekly resets.
Train your office staff too — they need to know how to review logs and watch for problems. - Keep and Store Records
Hold onto logs and supporting documents for at least 6 months. - Review and Audit Often
Look for gaps like missing logs, skipped breaks, or violations.
Correct issues quickly so you’re not caught off guard during an audit. - Be Ready for Inspections
Always have logs and supporting paperwork organized and accessible. That way, if FMCSA knocks on your door (or pulls you over), you’re ready.
Questions About HOS? We’ve Got Answers
Do local drivers need to follow HOS?
Not always. If you stay within a 150 air-mile radius of your starting point and your workday is 12 hours or less, you can use the short-haul exemption and don’t have to keep a full logbook. But if you go beyond 150 miles or your day runs longer than 12 hours, the standard HOS rules kick in.
What if my ELD fails?
If your Electronic Logging Device (ELD) stops working, you must switch to paper logs right away to keep tracking your hours. You’re required to notify your motor carrier within 24 hours of the malfunction. The ELD has to be repaired, replaced, or fixed within 8 days (unless FMCSA grants an extension).
Are HOS rules different for passenger drivers?
Yes. Drivers carrying passengers follow slightly different limits:
- 10-hour driving limit after 8 consecutive hours off-duty.
- 15-hour on-duty limit in a single shift.
- Same 60/70 weekly limits as property-carrying drivers.
What happens if I drive beyond my HOS Limits?
Exceeding HOS rules is considered a violation. That can mean fines, out-of-service orders, or even CSA score impacts for both you and your carrier.
How long do I have to keep my HOS logs?
No. Unlike public liability coverage, there is no bond alternative for BMC-32. It must be filled exclusively through cargo insurance issued by a qualified provider.
Do agricultural haulers follow the same HOS rules?
Not exactly. If you’re hauling farm supplies, livestock, or agricultural commodities during planting or harvest, you may qualify for an ag exemption within a 150 air-mile radius from the source.
Who enforces HOS rules?
The FMCSA enforces HOS, but inspections may also come from state DOT officers during roadside checks or audits.
Hours of Service Regulations (HOS) Official PDF
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