How Long Are Truck Drivers Allowed to Drive

Truck drivers in the United States operate under federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules designed to balance safety with practical driving needs. These regulations limit daily driving time, on-duty time, and the use of rest periods to prevent fatigue. Understanding the core limits helps drivers, carriers, and safety managers ensure compliance while maintaining efficient operations.

Federal Hours Of Service Rules

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) governs HOS for commercial drivers. The rules apply to property-carrying transportation and set clear caps on driving time, on-duty time, and mandated rest breaks. Some exemptions exist for specific operations, such as private fleets or certain regional tasks, but most long-haul and regional drivers follow the standard framework.

Driving Window And On-Duty Time

Drivers may be on-duty for a maximum of 14 consecutive hours, after which they must take a qualifying rest break before driving again. On-duty time includes all work-related activity, such as loading, unloading, fueling, and waiting during dispatch. The clock starts when the driver becomes subject to the order to operate a commercial motor vehicle, not when they begin driving.

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11-Hour Driving Limit

Within the 14-hour on-duty window, a driver may drive a maximum of 11 hours. After reaching 11 hours of driving, the driver must not drive again until they have completed a period of rest meeting the rule requirements. This limit is purposefully separated from the 14-hour window to ensure a meaningful driving rest between periods of activity.

60/70-Hour Restart

If a driver works under the 7/8 day period, they may operate up to 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days, depending on the fleet’s schedule and regulatory requirements. After reaching a restart, the driver must take a full series of off-duty hours to refresh the cycle. The restart can reset only after accumulating a full 34-hour off-duty period in most cases.

Sleeper Berth And Short-Haul Options

FMCSA provides provisions that recognize the use of sleeper berths and short-haul operations to accommodate different work patterns while preserving safety. These options are often critical for long-haul teams and regional drivers alike.

Sleeper Berth Provision

Drivers using a sleeper berth must split their off-duty time between periods in a sleeper berth and off-duty time. At least 8 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth, plus 2 additional hours either in the sleeper berth or off-duty, can count toward the 10-hour minimum rest requirement in some configurations. This arrangement allows flexibility for extended trips without violating the 11-hour driving limit, provided the total rest meets regulatory thresholds.

Short-Haul Exception

The short-haul exemption applies to drivers operating within a 100 air-mile radius of their normal work reporting location, typically allowing a 12-hour shift limit rather than the standard 14-hour window. Under this exception, the daily driving limit remains 11 hours, but the on-duty window and restart rules are adjusted to reflect local operations. The short-haul exception reduces the on-duty and driving time burdens for drivers who stay closer to home base.

Electronic Logging Devices And Compliance

Since the mandate for electronic logging devices (ELDs) took full effect, fleets must track driver hours with precision. ELDs automatically record driving time, on-duty time, and sleeper berth usage, helping ensure accuracy and reduce manual paperwork. Drivers must review and sign logs, and carriers must retain records for inspection. ELDs also support real-time monitoring by fleet managers to identify fatigue risks and ensure compliance with rest breaks and restart requirements.

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Non-ELD exemptions exist for certain agricultural operations or drivers operating in limited conditions, but the general industry trend favors ELD adoption due to safety advantages and regulatory expectations. Compliance involves understanding how to enter exemptions properly, documenting rest periods, and ensuring accurate separation between driving and non-driving activities.

Real-World Considerations And Safety

While the rules define maximums, responsible drivers and carriers aim for safer, sustainable schedules. Practical considerations include planning for weather delays, loading/unloading times, and traffic congestion that can affect available driving hours. Proactive trip planning, fatigue monitoring, and adherence to sleep hygiene are essential for reducing crash risk and maintaining consistent performance on long routes.

  • Trip Planning: Build margins into schedules to accommodate delays and avoid pushing fatigue limits.
  • Rest Break IQ: Schedule breaks that align with circadian rhythms to minimize performance decline.
  • Fatigue Mitigation: Use naps or split-sleep patterns allowed by sleeper berth provisions to maintain alertness.
  • Compliance Audits: Regularly review logs, hours, and rest periods to ensure every driver remains within regulatory boundaries.

Understanding these rules helps operators optimize routes while prioritizing safety. Accurate record-keeping, proper use of sleepers, and awareness of the 11-hour driving limit and 14-hour on-duty window are essential components of compliant, efficient truck operations. For drivers approaching the limits, prompt planning for rest is the most reliable way to prevent fatigue-related hazards on U.S. highways.

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