What are the hours of service regulations for commercial drivers?

The hours of service regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration are designed to ensure the safety of commercial drivers and the general public. These regulations govern the amount of time that commercial drivers can spend driving a vehicle and the required rest periods to minimize fatigue. For most property-carrying drivers, the rules state that they may drive for a maximum of eleven hours after having been off duty for at least ten consecutive hours. Additionally, drivers are required to take a break of at least thirty minutes after driving for eight consecutive hours. Once a driver has reached the maximum driving limit, they must take a minimum of ten consecutive hours off duty before resuming driving. There are also regulations for the total number of hours a driver may operate within a specific period. For instance, drivers cannot drive more than sixty hours in a seven-day workweek, or seventy hours in an eight-day workweek. If a driver reaches this limit, they must take a minimum of thirty-four consecutive hours off duty to reset their weekly hours. There are some exceptions and additional provisions that may apply to specific types of carriers or operations. Drivers should also keep accurate records of their hours of service, either through electronic logging devices or paper logs, to ensure compliance with these regulations. For the most current and detailed information regarding hours of service, it is advisable to refer to the official FMCSA website, as the agency provides comprehensive resources and guidance on this subject.