How Many Hours Can a Truck Driver Drive?

When a commercial truck accident happens, one of the first questions that comes up is how many hours can a truck driver drive. Fatigue plays a major role in serious collisions involving large trucks, and knowing the limits can shed light on liability. In the U.S., commercial truck drivers can drive for a maximum of 11 hours within a 14-hour work window, following at least 10 straight hours off-duty. Additionally, a 30-minute rest break is required after 8 hours of driving.

At O’Brien & Ford, we help injured clients in Buffalo, NY, understand these rules and pursue fair compensation.

Understanding FMCSA Driving Limits

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets national regulations to limit truck drivers’ time on the road without proper rest. These rules aim to reduce drowsy driving, a leading cause of crashes involving semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles.

The FMCSA guidelines apply to most interstate commercial drivers, requiring breaks and off-duty periods between shifts. These regulations are significant for those operating in and around busy transport hubs like Buffalo.

Federal Hours of Service (HOS) Rules for Truckers

The FMCSA’s Hours of Service (HOS) rules are designed to keep drivers alert and reduce fatigue-related incidents. These regulations outline a number of key limits that truck drivers and their employers must follow:

• 14-hour duty window: All driving time must occur within a 14-hour shift. Once that window closes, driving must stop until the driver has been off duty for at least 10 hours.
• 30-minute break requirement: After eight cumulative hours of driving, a 30-minute break is required. This break can be taken while off duty, on duty but not driving, or in the sleeper berth.
• 10-hour off-duty period: Drivers must rest for 10 uninterrupted hours between shifts. This rest period may include time spent in the sleeper berth or entirely off-duty.
• 60/70-hour weekly cap: Depending on the carrier’s schedule, a maximum of 60 driving hours is allowed over seven or 70 hours over eight days.
• 34-hour restart rule: After hitting the weekly cap, drivers must be off duty for 34 hours before restarting their driving cycle.
• Split sleeper berth option: The required 10-hour off-duty break can be divided into two segments—either 8 hours in the sleeper berth and 2 hours off duty or 7 hours in the berth and 3 hours off duty.

These guidelines aim to maintain road safety and driver well-being by ensuring truckers are adequately rested before and during their routes. Understanding how long a commercial driver can stay behind the wheel, like asking how many hours a truck driver can drive, is key to identifying violations that lead to accidents.

How Many Hours Can a Truck Driver Drive Per Day?

A truck driver may drive up to 11 hours within a 14-hour on-duty window, after which they must take 10 consecutive hours off duty. This ensures that drivers have adequate rest between shifts.

Exceptions to FMCSA HOS Rules

Some exceptions apply to the strict HOS rules, depending on the type of cargo, route, and other operational circumstances:

• Adverse driving conditions: Drivers can extend their 11-hour driving limit by two hours if weather or road conditions cause delays.
• Short-haul exemption: Drivers who operate within a 150-air-mile radius and return to their base within 14 hours may be exempt from maintaining a logbook.
• Sleeper berth provision: Drivers using sleeper berths can split their required 10-hour off-duty time into two segments, allowing more flexibility.

These exceptions don’t mean safety can be compromised—they simply offer logistical alternatives that comply with the rule’s intent.

Penalties for Violating Truck Driver Hour Limits

Violating HOS rules is serious and carries multiple consequences, including:

• Fines for drivers and trucking companies
• Downtime due to out-of-service orders
• Legal liability in civil cases after a crash

In a Buffalo truck accident claim, proof that a driver exceeded their legal driving hours can significantly influence the outcome.

Truck Driver Daily Logbook

Since 2017, most commercial drivers must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to track their duty status. These digital logbooks automatically record driving time and other key data, reducing the chance of falsified records.

The mandates for electronic logs led to a notable reduction in violations, especially among high-risk carriers. Still, drivers and companies sometimes find ways to work around these systems, so careful legal review of logbook data remains essential.

Contact an Attorney to Protect Your Rights After a Truck Accident

At O’Brien & Ford, we take on trucking companies and fight for clients throughout Buffalo and surrounding areas. If you’re asking how many hours can a truck driver drive and suspect fatigue played a role in your accident, contact us today at (716) 222-2222. Let’s hold the responsible party accountable and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Chris O’Brien

Chris O’Brien is a nationally recognized personal injury attorney with over 30 years of experience fighting for accident victims in Western New York. A founding partner at O’Brien & Ford, he has helped recover millions for clients and built a reputation as a top trial lawyer and educator. Chris is a Diplomate of the National College of Advocacy, a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, and was named one of Western New York’s Top Ten Lawyers by Buffalo Business First. He lives in Amherst with his family and their Bernedoodle, Moose.

Years of experience: 33 years
Practice areas: Personal Injury Law, Car Accidents
Location: Buffalo, New York