Navigating the highways of America as a truck driver comes with great responsibility, and understanding Hours of Service (HOS) regulations is a critical part of the job and apply to truck drivers who operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV). These federal rules govern how long commercial drivers can operate their vehicles before taking mandatory rest periods. For professional drivers, HOS compliance isn't just about avoiding tickets—it's about ensuring road safety and maintaining your livelihood. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about HOS regulations from 30-minute breaks to weekly hour limits, in simple, straightforward terms.

What Are Hours of Service (HOS) Rules?

Hours of Service regulations are federal guidelines established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that limit the number of hours commercial drivers can operate their vehicles. These rules were created to prevent driver fatigue, which has been identified as a major factor in commercial vehicle accidents.

HOS rules primarily apply to interstate commercial drivers—those who cross state lines during their routes. However, many states have adopted similar or identical regulations for intrastate drivers (those who operate solely within one state). If you're hauling freight commercially, understanding these regulations is essential to your career.

Intrastate HOS Variations: State-Specific Rules

While the FMCSA sets federal HOS regulations for interstate drivers—those who cross state lines, engaging in intrastate commerce (drivers who operate solely within one state) may follow different rules depending on state regulations. Many states adopt federal HOS rules, but some have their own variations, including:

• Longer Driving Hours – Some states allow more than 11 hours of driving per shift for intrastate drivers. For example, Texas permits up to 12 hours of driving within a 15-hour work period before requiring an off-duty break.

• Different Weekly Limits – Certain states modify the 60/70-hour limit, allowing drivers to work longer before requiring a reset.

• Exemptions for Specific Industries – Agricultural, oilfield, or logging truck drivers may have state-level exemptions that differ from federal HOS rules.

If you're an owner-operator hauling freight only within one state, it’s crucial to check with your state’s Department of Transportation (DOT) to ensure compliance with local regulations. Non-compliance can still lead to fines, even if you never cross state lines.

Key HOS Regulations Every Driver Should Know

A. 11-Hour Driving Limit

Under current regulations, truck drivers are permitted to drive a maximum of 11 hours of service after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Once you hit that 11-hour mark, you must take another 10-hour break before driving again. It's important to note that this limit applies specifically to time spent behind the wheel—not other on-duty activities like loading, unloading, or paperwork.

Short breaks during your driving shift (like fuel stops or quick meals) count against your 14-hour window (which we'll discuss next) but don't extend your 11-hour driving limit. Only driving time counts toward this 11-hour maximum.

B. 14-Hour On-Duty Limit

Perhaps the most misunderstood regulation is the 14-hour "on-duty" limit. Once you start your workday, you have a 14-hour window to complete all of your driving. After 14 consecutive hours on duty, you cannot drive again until you've taken 10 consecutive hours off duty, even if you haven't used all 11 of your available driving hours.

The crucial detail here is that this 14-hour driving window clock runs continuously once you start your day. Unlike the 11-hour driving limit, the 14-hour clock doesn't pause when you take breaks or stop driving. This means if you start at 6:00 AM, your 14-hour window closes at 8:00 PM, regardless of how much of that time was spent driving or on breaks.

C. 30-Minute Break Requirement

If you've been driving for 8 cumulative hours without taking at least a 30-minute rest break, you must take one before you can continue driving. The good news is this break can be satisfied by any non-driving activity, including off-duty time, sleeper-berth time, or even on-duty not driving time.

Many drivers find it beneficial to take this 30-minute break strategically—perhaps during a scheduled delivery or pickup where you'd be stopped anyway. Remember, though, that while this break satisfies the 30-minute requirement, it doesn't stop your 14-hour clock from ticking.

D. 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit

In addition to daily limits, the FMCSA imposes weekly restrictions on driving time:

• If your company operates vehicles every day of the week, you're limited to 70 hours on duty in any 8-consecutive-day period.

• If your company doesn't operate vehicles every day of the week, you're limited to 60 hours on duty in any 7-consecutive-day period.

To reset this clock, you can take 34 or more consecutive hours off duty, known as a "34-hour restart." After completing a restart, your available hours return to zero, giving you a fresh weekly cycle.

Understanding Sleeper Berth and Split Breaks

The sleeper berth provision offers drivers flexibility in how they fulfill their required rest periods. Instead of taking 10 consecutive hours off duty, drivers can split their required rest time into two periods:

• One period of at least 7 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth

• Another period of at least 2 consecutive hours either in the sleeper berth or off duty

These two periods must total at least 10 hours. When used correctly, this split-sleeper option can extend your 14-hour driving window, allowing you to better adapt to loading/unloading delays or traffic conditions.

HOS Exemptions: When the Rules Don't Apply

Several exemptions exist for specific situations:

Short-Haul Exemption: Drivers who operate within a 150 air-mile radius of their work reporting location and finish their workday within a 14-hour period may be exempt from maintaining detailed logs and taking the 30-minute break.

Adverse Driving Conditions: If you encounter unexpected adverse conditions like severe weather or road closures, you may extend your driving time by up to 2 hours beyond the maximum 11 hours.

Emergency Conditions: During federally declared emergencies, HOS regulations may be temporarily suspended for drivers delivering essential supplies or services.

Agricultural Exemption: During planting and harvesting seasons, drivers transporting agricultural commodities within a 150 air-mile radius of the source may be exempt from certain HOS requirements.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) and HOS Compliance

Since December 2017, most commercial drivers required to maintain Records of Duty Status (RODS) must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs). These devices automatically record driving time by connecting to the vehicle's engine, making manual logbook manipulation a thing of the past.

ELDs have dramatically changed HOS enforcement by providing accurate, tamper-resistant records. They alert drivers when they're approaching their limits and provide a digital trail that DOT officers can review during inspections.

To avoid common ELD issues:

• Make sure you understand how to operate your specific ELD model

• Log in before starting your day and log personal conveyance properly

• Regularly review your logs for accuracy

• Know how to transfer your logs during roadside inspections

Understanding Personal Conveyance: What It Is and How to Use It

Personal conveyance (PC) is a designation that allows truck drivers to legally move their truck for non-business purposes without it counting against their available driving or on-duty hours. This can be useful for owner-operators when they need to relocate their truck without engaging in work-related activities.

When Can You Use Personal Conveyance?

The FMCSA defines personal conveyance as off-duty driving, meaning it cannot be used for anything related to the furtherance of a commercial operation. Some valid examples include:

• Driving to a restaurant, hotel, or home after completing a delivery and being off-duty.

• Moving your truck to the nearest safe parking location after being asked to leave a customer’s property.

• Commuting from a terminal, yard, or lodging to your home when you are not under dispatch.

When Personal Conveyance is NOT Allowed

Many drivers misunderstand PC rules and accidentally log drive time incorrectly, leading to HOS violations. You CANNOT use personal conveyance in these situations:

• Moving closer to your next load pickup location (even if you’re off-duty).

• Relocating your truck to get maintenance or fuel (considered work-related).

• Driving after a roadside inspection or being placed out of service for an HOS violation.

Why Properly Logging PC is Critical

Since ELDs track movement, misusing personal conveyance can trigger HOS violations, fines, or even audits. To stay compliant:

• Ensure your ELD is set to personal conveyance mode before moving your truck.

• Be prepared to explain why you used PC if questioned during a DOT inspection.

• Regularly review FMCSA updates, as PC rules may be clarified or updated over time.

Owner-operators should be especially cautious, as misusing PC could put your carrier authority and CSA score at risk. Always err on the side of caution and log drive time properly to avoid penalties.

Consequences of Violating Hours of Service Rules

The penalties for HOS violations can be severe:

• Fines ranging from $1,000 to $16,000 per violation

• Points against your Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) score

• Being placed out-of-service until sufficient rest is taken

• Increased insurance premiums for carriers with frequent violations

• In cases of falsified logs, potential criminal charges

These violations don't just hurt your wallet—they can damage your career. Many carriers won't hire drivers with serious HOS violations, and repeated infractions can lead to the loss of your CDL.

Tips for Managing HOS Effectively

Successful drivers plan their days carefully around hours of service constraints:

Plan Your Route Strategically: Before starting your day, calculate your available hours and plan your stops accordingly. Consider traffic patterns, delivery schedules, and available parking at your destination.

Use Technology to Your Advantage: Many truck-specific GPS units and apps can help you plan routes with your HOS limits in mind, showing where you'll need to stop based on your available hours.

Know Your ELD: Understand exactly how your specific ELD works, including special functions like personal conveyance and yard moves.

Take Advantage of Flexibility: Use the split sleeper berth provision when it benefits your schedule, especially when facing loading/unloading delays.

Don't Cut It Close: Plan to finish your day with some buffer time remaining on your clocks. Unexpected delays can quickly turn a legal day into a violation if you're running your clocks to the limit.

Conclusion

Hours of Service regulations might seem complicated at first, but they're designed with a clear purpose: keeping you and others safe on the road. By understanding these rules and planning your trips accordingly, you can maximize your productive time while remaining compliant.

Remember that being an informed, compliance-focused driver isn't just about avoiding tickets—it's about professionalism and safety. The most successful drivers understand that these regulations are part of the job and develop efficient systems to work within them.

Stay informed about any changes to hours of service regulations, as the FMCSA occasionally updates these rules based on industry feedback and safety data. Your career depends on more than just your driving skills—it depends on your ability to navigate the regulatory landscape of commercial transportation.