The hours-of-service regulations govern the daily operation of truck drivers. “Hours of service” refers to the maximum duration in which drivers are permitted to be on duty including driving time, and specifies the number and length of rest periods, to help ensure that drivers stay safe and in proper care and control of their truck. Since the hours-of-service regulations are different between the United States and Canada, for the sake of simplicity, this article will focus only on the U.S. hours of service.
Do Hours of Service impact you?
Drivers using a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) that is used for business, that is involved in interstate commerce, and fits any of the following:
- Weighs 10,001 pounds or more
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more
- Is designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) not for compensation
- Is designed or used to transport 9 or more passengers (including the driver) for compensation
- Is transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placards
Cycles
In the U.S. drivers are subject to one of two duty cycles. The first cycle allows the driver to be on duty for 70 hours over eight days, while the second allows the driver to be on duty for 60 hours in seven days. This cycle is reset after 34 consecutive hours of off-duty time.
What is On Duty time?
Drivers are permitted to be on duty for up to 14 hours each day, up to their maximum allotted time based on their cycle. On-duty time begins when your day begins, either after a 34 reset, or a 10-hour sleeper berth. On-duty time refers to all your time driving, loading, unloading, refueling, and completing any other task related to your workday. Your break time is not considered on duty, but time waiting at shippers and receivers is on duty time.
On Duty Driving
While drivers are permitted to be on duty for up to 14 hours, driving time cannot exceed 11 hours.
Break time
Drivers are required to take a break before the 8-hour mark of the on-duty period. Keep in mind, however, that taking a break too early in your shift will cause you to take a second 30-minute break, thus extending your day longer than you may have anticipated.
10-Hour Reset
At the completion of your day, you are required to go off duty for 10 hours with eight of those being marked as sleeper berth. This break time allows you the opportunity to refresh and rejuvenate for the next day of work. Starting earlier than your 10-hour reset allows will cause a violation of your hours of service.
10-Hour Reset Split
Drivers may split their 10-hour reset period into two periods, but there are parameters to consider. One of the periods must be at least two hours (in or out of the sleeper berth) and the second must be at least seven consecutive hours in the sleeper berth. Both periods must add up to at least 10 hours.
34-Hour Reset
When drivers reach their maximum hours of service or days of work within their cycle, they are required to be off-duty for at least 34 hours before going back on-duty. This time can be spent at home, but often, for OTR drivers, it can take place on the road in any number of truck stops, service centers, or yards around the nation.
For further details on the hours-of-service regulations, visit the FMCSA at
https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/hours-service/summary-hours-service-regulations
