DOT Hours of Service (HOS) Explained: Full Guide

The Department of Transportation’s Hours of Service (HOS) regulations are a cornerstone of the trucking industry. Designed to prevent driver fatigue and promote safety, these rules dictate how long commercial drivers can operate before resting. Understanding them is crucial for anyone behind the wheel or managing freight logistics in the United States.

What Are Hours of Service (HOS)?

Hours of Service, or HOS, are a set of federal regulations issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). They define the maximum amount of time drivers can be on duty and the required rest periods between driving shifts.

The goal is to ensure that commercial drivers remain alert and that fatigue-related accidents are minimized. These regulations apply to most commercial motor vehicle drivers engaged in interstate commerce, though certain exceptions and special rules exist for specific situations.

The Core Rules for Property-Carrying Drivers

For drivers transporting goods, the main HOS limits are straightforward but strict. These rules are designed around three main pillars—driving limits, duty cycles, and mandatory rest breaks.

  • 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.

  • 14-Hour Limit: The driving window cannot exceed 14 consecutive hours after coming on duty, even if not all time is spent driving.

  • 30-Minute Break Requirement: A break of at least 30 minutes must be taken after eight cumulative hours of driving.

  • 60/70-Hour Duty Cycle: Drivers cannot exceed 60 hours on duty in seven consecutive days (or 70 hours in eight days) depending on their carrier’s schedule.

Once these limits are reached, the driver must take the required rest before resuming operations.

Understanding Sleeper Berth and Split Break Rules

The sleeper berth provision allows drivers more flexibility in managing rest periods. Drivers can split their 10-hour off-duty time into two segments, provided one period is at least seven consecutive hours in the sleeper berth and the other is at least two consecutive hours off duty or in the sleeper berth.

When used correctly, the combined time still counts toward the required 10-hour break, helping drivers plan around delivery schedules without violating HOS limits.

The 34-Hour Restart Rule

To reset the 60/70-hour duty cycle, drivers can take at least 34 consecutive hours off duty. This restart allows them to begin a new weekly cycle with a fresh clock.

The 34-hour restart is optional but commonly used by long-haul drivers to maintain compliance during extended schedules. It can be taken anywhere—at home, at a rest area, or in the sleeper berth—as long as the driver is off duty.

Short-Haul and Agricultural Exemptions

Not all drivers are subject to the same HOS requirements. Certain exemptions exist to accommodate different types of operations.

Short-haul drivers, who stay within a 150 air-mile radius and return to the same location each day, are exempt from keeping electronic logs and can extend their driving window to 14 hours without using the sleeper berth rule.

Agricultural and seasonal exemptions also apply to drivers transporting farm supplies or livestock during designated harvest periods. These exemptions provide flexibility while still maintaining safety standards.

The Role of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)

Since 2017, most commercial drivers have been required to use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to record duty status automatically. ELDs replace traditional paper logs and make it easier for carriers and enforcement officers to verify compliance with HOS rules.

The system tracks driving time, rest breaks, and on-duty hours, helping reduce recordkeeping errors and ensuring greater accountability across the industry.

Consequences of Violating HOS Regulations

Violations of HOS rules can lead to serious penalties. Drivers may face fines, be placed out of service for required rest periods, or face impacts on their safety records. Carriers can also receive penalties for encouraging or allowing non-compliance.

Beyond the legal consequences, fatigue-related accidents can have devastating results—making compliance not only a regulatory matter but a core safety issue.

Managing Compliance Effectively

Staying compliant with HOS regulations requires proactive planning. Successful drivers and carriers monitor duty hours closely, schedule realistic routes, and use ELD data to identify potential issues before they become violations.

Training, route optimization, and communication between dispatchers and drivers all play a role in maintaining efficiency while following the rules.

The Bottom Line

The DOT Hours of Service regulations form the foundation of safe, responsible trucking. They define how long drivers can operate, when they must rest, and how carriers manage duty cycles.

By understanding and following HOS rules, drivers protect themselves, their equipment, and everyone else on the road.