How Many Hours Can a Truck Driver Drive?
Truck drivers play a pivotal role in keeping the economy running by transporting goods across the country. However, their job can also be highly demanding, involving long hours on the road. To ensure safety, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established regulations that govern how many hours a truck driver can drive. These rules aim to reduce accidents caused by driver fatigue and ensure drivers take necessary breaks to rest.
Understanding these regulations is crucial for drivers and trucking companies. Here is a breakdown of the key rules concerning truck driver driving hours.
The Hours-of-Service (HOS) Regulations
The FMCSA’s Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations dictate how long commercial truck drivers can drive daily, require breaks, and maximum driving times within certain periods. These regulations apply to drivers operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) over 10,000 pounds in interstate commerce. These regulations include:
- 11-Hour Driving Limit: A truck driver can drive a maximum of 11 hours within a 14-hour period, but only after taking at least 10 consecutive hours off-duty. The total time spent on duty, including breaks, loading, and unloading, cannot exceed 14 hours a day.
- 14-Hour Limit: A truck driver’s total on-duty time is limited to 14 hours in a day. Once they reach this limit, they must rest for at least 10 hours. The 14-hour period begins when the driver starts work.
- Rest Breaks: After eight cumulative hours of driving, a truck driver must take a 30-minute break. They can take this break in segments, and it does not count against the 11-hour driving limit. They should take it away from their vehicle.
- 60/70-Hour Limit: Drivers are restricted to 60 hours of driving within seven consecutive days or 70 hours within eight consecutive days. After reaching this limit, a driver must take at least 34 hours off before driving again.
- Sleeper Berth Rule: For drivers using a sleeper berth, the off-duty rest period can be split into two parts: one of at least seven consecutive hours and one of at least 2 hours. However, the total off-duty time must still equal 10 hours.
The FMCSA’s Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations are designed to ensure the safety of commercial truck drivers, other road users, and cargo by preventing fatigue-related accidents.
Exemptions and Exceptions
While these regulations apply to most truck drivers, there are some exceptions based on specific circumstances, such as Short-haul drivers who drive within 150 air miles of their work location and who work no more than 14 hours in a day are subject to more lenient rules, such as not having to track their hours electronically. Lastly, adverse driving conditions were inclement weather or emergencies where driving hours may be extended by up to 2 hours beyond the 11-hour limit.
The Importance of Compliance
Ensuring that drivers adhere to these regulations is vital for the safety of the driver and others on the road. Fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents, with drivers behind the wheel for more than 8 hours being twice as likely to crash, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). These regulations aim to reduce that risk. Failure to comply with HOS rules is considered negligence and can result in hefty fines, legal liability, and, in severe cases, the suspension of the driver’s commercial driver’s license.
Contact an Experienced Charlotte Truck Accident Lawyer at Chandler Volta Personal Injury Lawyers Today For Help
Knowing the rules surrounding how many hours a truck driver can drive is critical for ensuring safety on the road. By adhering to the FMCSA’s regulations, truck drivers can protect themselves and others on the road. If you are injured in an accident caused by a fatigued driver, contact an experienced truck accident lawyer in Charlotte, NC, to discuss your legal options.
For more information, contact an experienced truck accident lawyer at Chandler Volta Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.
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