Daily Driving Limits
What is the maximum number of hours a driver can drive within a single workday under federal HOS rules?
11 hours.
After how many hours of driving is a driver required to take a 30-minute break?
8 hours.
What is the definition of “on-duty” time?
Time when a driver is working, performing job-related tasks, or available for work, including loading, fueling, and paperwork.
What is the purpose of the 34-hour reset rule?
To allow drivers to restart their weekly driving limit.
If a driver encounters adverse weather conditions, how many additional hours can they drive beyond the daily limit?
2 hours.
How many total hours can a driver be on duty (driving and non-driving combined) during a single workday?
14 hours.
Can the 30-minute break be satisfied by being on-duty but not driving?
Yes, as long as no driving occurs during that time.
Does time spent in the sleeper berth count as “off-duty”?
Yes, as long as the driver is not performing any work.
How many consecutive hours of off-duty time are required for a valid reset?
34 hours.
What is the rule for short-haul drivers regarding the 14-hour workday limit?
Short-haul drivers may work up to 14 hours, provided they return to their starting location each day and keep time records.
What must a driver do after reaching their daily driving limit of 11 hours?
Take a 10-hour off-duty break.
Does time spent waiting at a loading dock count toward the required 30-minute break?
No, unless the driver is off-duty or not performing any work-related tasks.
True or False: Time spent waiting for dispatch at a terminal is considered off-duty.
False.
Can sleeper berth time count toward the 34-hour reset?
Yes, if the time is off-duty or in the sleeper berth.
During an emergency declared by the FMCSA, are HOS rules waived for drivers providing emergency relief?
Yes, for the duration of the emergency.
Can a driver split their required 10-hour off-duty period? If so, how?
Yes, using the split sleeper berth rule (e.g., 7 hours in the sleeper berth and 3 hours off-duty).
True or False: A driver can skip the 30-minute break if they only drive for 6 hours in a day.
True.
If a driver is attending a company-mandated training session, is this considered on-duty or off-duty?
On-duty.
True or False: A driver can take a 34-hour reset more than once in a week.
True.
How long can a driver use personal conveyance to get to a safe rest location after reaching their driving limit?
There is no specific time limit, but the distance must be reasonable and not work-related.
If a driver begins their day at 6:00 AM, what is the latest time they can legally drive under the 14-hour rule?
8:00 PM.
What happens if a driver does not take the required 30-minute break after driving 8 hours?
They are in violation of HOS regulations and subject to penalties.
When a driver uses a truck for personal reasons (personal conveyance), does it count as on-duty or off-duty?
Off-duty, provided the activity is not work-related.
What is the maximum number of driving hours a driver can have in an 8-day period before needing a 34-hour reset?
70 hours.
What recordkeeping tool is mandatory for most drivers to track HOS compliance?
An Electronic Logging Device (ELD).