Hours of Service (HOS) Rules

What Are Hours of Service Rules

Hours of Service rules are federal regulations under 49 CFR Part 395 that govern how many hours commercial motor vehicle drivers can drive and work before they must rest.[^1] The rules exist to prevent fatigue-related crashes by ensuring drivers get adequate sleep between shifts.

HOS rules apply to most CMV drivers in interstate commerce. Compliance is tracked through electronic logging devices and monitored through the FMCSA's CSA scoring system.

This glossary entry provides a quick reference summary. For the complete breakdown with examples and scenarios, see our full HOS rules guide. To calculate your remaining available hours, use our HOS hours calculator.

Current HOS Rules for Property-Carrying Drivers

These rules apply to truck drivers hauling freight in interstate commerce:

11-Hour Driving Limit

You may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.[^2] Once you hit 11 hours of driving time, you must stop driving regardless of how much time remains in your 14-hour window.

14-Hour Driving Window

You may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty following 10 consecutive hours off duty. This window runs continuously once it starts. Off-duty time during the 14-hour window does not pause or extend it, with the exception of qualifying sleeper berth splits.

30-Minute Break Requirement

You must take a break of at least 30 consecutive minutes after 8 cumulative hours of driving. The break can be off-duty, sleeper berth, or on-duty not driving.

60/70-Hour Limit

You may not drive after 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days, or 70 hours on duty in 8 consecutive days. Most carriers operate on the 70-hour/8-day cycle.

34-Hour Restart

You can reset your 60/70-hour clock by taking at least 34 consecutive hours off duty. After a qualifying restart, your cycle hours reset to zero.

10-Hour Off-Duty Requirement

You must take at least 10 consecutive hours off duty between shifts. This can be spent off-duty, in the sleeper berth, or a combination through the split sleeper berth provision.

Sleeper Berth Split Provision

The split sleeper berth rule provides flexibility for drivers who cannot take a full 10-hour break in one stretch.[^3] You can split the required rest into two periods:

• One period of at least 7 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth
• One period of at least 2 consecutive hours off-duty or in the sleeper berth
• Neither period counts against the 14-hour driving window

This provision is particularly useful when you arrive at a shipper or receiver at an inconvenient time and need to manage your hours around loading schedules.

Key Exemptions

Short-Haul Exemption

Drivers operating within 150 air miles of their work reporting location who start and end their shift at the same location may be exempt from the 30-minute break requirement and from using an ELD. Short-haul drivers must complete their work within a 14-hour window and cannot exceed 11 hours of driving.

Adverse Driving Conditions

If you encounter unexpected adverse weather, road conditions, or traffic that could not have been known before dispatching, you may extend your driving window by up to 2 additional hours. This does not increase your 11-hour driving limit -- it extends the 14-hour window to 16 hours. The adverse conditions must be genuinely unexpected, not foreseeable weather.

Agricultural Exemption

Drivers transporting agricultural commodities and farm supplies within 150 air miles of the source during planting and harvesting seasons are exempt from certain HOS provisions. Specific exemptions vary by state.

Practical Tips for Managing Hours

Plan your day around the 14-hour window. Since this clock runs continuously once it starts, minimize non-driving on-duty time early in your shift. Get your pre-trip inspection done efficiently and minimize wait times at shippers.

Use the sleeper berth split strategically. If you know you will face a long wait at a receiver, taking a 7-hour sleeper berth period during the wait pauses your 14-hour window.

Track your 70-hour cycle. Use a HOS calculator or your ELD's available hours display to know exactly how many hours you have available before you need a 34-hour restart.

Plan breaks around the 8-hour driving mark. Since you need a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving, plan fuel stops or meals around that mark to avoid burning time on a separate break stop.

For the complete guide to HOS regulations including detailed scenarios and common violation traps, see our HOS rules guide. Staying on top of your hours also impacts your CSA scores and overall FMCSA compliance.