In the trucking industry, meeting deadlines is important, but protecting drivers, cargo and operations is even more critical. The fact that fatigue remains one of the top contributors to roadway accidents, which is why hours-of-service (HOS) regulations exist. These federal rules can seem complex, but they play a vital role in keeping drivers safe and carriers compliant.
At Joe Morten & Son, Inc., we help carriers and owner-operators understand and manage compliance obligations every day. By learning the basics of HOS, you may be able to reduce your risk, avoid penalties and maintain a safer, more reliable operation.
What Are Hours-of-Service Regulations?
HOS regulations are federally mandated limits on how long commercial drivers may be on duty and behind the wheel. Enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), these rules apply to drivers of commercial vehicles over 10,000 pounds engaged in interstate commerce.
The goal is simple: reduce fatigue-related crashes by requiring rest and limiting daily and weekly driving hours. Noncompliance can lead to steep fines, out-of-service orders, higher liability exposure and damaged safety scores.
Core Rules Every Driver Should Know
Understanding the main HOS limits is the foundation of compliance:
- 11-Hour Driving Limit
Drivers may drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. - 14-Hour Window
All driving and on-duty work must be completed within 14 consecutive hours of coming on duty. - 30-Minute Break
After eight cumulative hours of driving, a 30-minute break is required. - 60/70-Hour Rule
No driving is allowed after 60 hours on duty in 7 days, or 70 hours in 8 days. A 34-hour restart resets this limit. - Sleeper Berth Flexibility
Drivers may split their off-duty time into two periods—at least seven consecutive hours in the sleeper berth and at least 2 hours off duty—totaling 10 hours. - Adverse Conditions
Drivers may extend their drive time or duty window by up to 2 hours if weather or road conditions unexpectedly delay operations.
Clear knowledge of these rules not only helps drivers avoid violations but can also creates safer and more predictable schedules.
Logging and Record-Keeping Requirements
Maintaining accurate logs is just as important as knowing the rules.
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
Most carriers must use ELDs, which automatically track hours to improve accuracy. - Paper Logs
Paper logs are permitted in limited short-haul or exemption cases, but must be completed with absolute precision. - Consequences of Poor Records
Inaccurate or incomplete logs can increase CSA scores, result in fines, complicate insurance reviews, and even take drivers off the road.
Strong logging practices can help keep operations audit ready and improve trust with both regulators and insurers.
Compliance Strategies for Safer Operations
Meeting HOS requirements takes planning and discipline. Some best practices include:
- Trip Planning
Create realistic schedules that account for mandatory breaks and rest periods. - Rest Emphasis
Encourage drivers to take breaks and prioritize rest to maintain alertness. - Technology Integration
Use fleet-management tools to track compliance and send real-time alerts. - Communication
Dispatch and drivers should maintain open communication to adjust schedules as needed.
By embedding compliance into everyday operations, carriers and drivers can reduce risk, limit violations and strengthen their safety culture.
Protecting Your Business with the Right Partner
HOS rules are essential to both safety and compliance, but they can be challenging to manage without the right tools and guidance. At Joe Morten & Son, Inc., we specialize in helping carriers and owner-operators protect their operations with auto liability, workers compensation and other trucking-specific coverages that address real-world risks.
Take the next step toward safer operations. Request a free consultation today to review your coverage and learn how we can support your compliance and risk management goals. You can also learn more about improving the safety of commercial motor vehicles by visiting the FMCSA website here: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/.
This material is intended to be a broad overview of the subject matter and is provided for informational purposes only. Joe Morten & Son, Inc. does not provide legal advice to its insureds or other parties, nor does it advise insureds or other parties on employment-related issues, therefore the subject matter is not intended to serve as legal or employment advice for any issue(s) that may arise in the operations of its insureds or other parties. Legal advice should always be sought from legal counsel. Joe Morten & Son, Inc. shall have neither liability nor responsibility to any person or entity with respect to any loss, action, or inaction alleged to be caused directly or indirectly as a result of the information contained herein. Reprinted with permission from Great West Casualty Company.