Hours of service
Hours of Service (HOS) — a simple guide
What HOS are
- HOS are rules from the FMCSA that limit how long commercial drivers can drive and work and require rest between shifts. They apply to truck drivers and bus drivers that operate commercial vehicles in the United States. For driving within a single state (intrastate), state rules apply.
Who must follow HOS
- Anyone driving a commercial vehicle (CMV) with 10,001+ pounds GVW, designed to move 8+ passengers for pay, or designed to transport 15+ passengers not for pay, or transporting hazardous materials requiring placards.
Key terms
- On-duty time: from when a driver starts work until they are released from work duties.
- Driving time: time spent at the controls of a CMV.
- Sleeper berth time: time spent resting or sleeping in the truck’s sleeper area.
- Off-duty time: any time not on-duty, driving, or in the sleeper berth.
Daily and weekly limits (two systems)
- Property-carrying CMVs (trucks, etc.)
- Driving: up to 11 hours in a 14-hour on-duty period.
- On-duty: up to 14 hours in a day before driving again.
- Off-duty: at least 10 hours after an 11-hour driving period.
- Weekly: up to 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days (depending on whether the carrier operates every day).
- 34-hour restart: you can reset your weekly limit after 34 consecutive hours off-duty (allowed once per week).
- Passenger-carrying CMVs (buses, school buses, etc.)
- Driving: up to 10 hours.
- On-duty: up to 15 hours.
- Off-duty: at least 8 hours after an on-duty period.
- Weekly: same 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days rules as property carriers.
- No 34-hour restart (not allowed for passenger-carrying vehicles).
Breaks and sleeper berth rules
- Breaks: A 30-minute rest break is required within the first 8 hours after the end of the last off-duty or sleeper-berth period for property-carrying CMVs (short-haul operations have exemptions in practice; enforcement has varied).
- Sleeper berth: You may split your off-duty time in the sleeper berth. Since 2005, one block of sleep must be at least 8 hours; you can have up to 2 hours of off-duty time that does not stop the 14-hour on-duty clock, but the 8-hour block is still required to count as a long rest.
Logbooks and electronic records
- You must keep a time record of your duty status.
- Paper log books: records of on-duty, off-duty, driving, and sleeper berth times, with dates, miles, vehicle info, and signatures.
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): automate recording of driving time and location, reduce forgery, and are increasingly required. Drivers still report on-duty and off-duty times.
Circadian fatigue and what increases risk
- Fatigue comes from circadian rhythm, not getting enough sleep, and fatigue from long work periods.
- Fatigue risk is highest late at night (midnight–6 a.m.) and grows with longer trips.
- Circadian rhythm makes shift changes difficult; the body’s natural cycle isn’t fully reset by artificial light.
Enforcement and penalties
- DOT or state inspectors can pull you over or check at weigh stations.
- Violations can lead to being put out of service, fines, and worse safety ratings for carriers.
- Some drivers and carriers have historically tried to bypass rules, often by falsifying logs or underpaying waiting time.
A brief history and notes
- HOS rules have evolved since the 1930s, with major changes in 2003, 2005, and later updates.
- The 2011 rule added a 30-minute break for certain cases, and enforcement and exemptions have shifted over time.
- In 2013, enforcement of the 30-minute break was paused for short-haul drivers; efforts to revisit the rules continue.
Why these rules exist
- The goal is to reduce fatigue-related accidents by limiting driving time and guaranteeing rest, helping drivers stay alert and safe on the road.
Tips to stay compliant
- Plan ahead: schedule driving within the allowed windows.
- Use your log (paper or ELD) accurately and keep copies as required.
- Take breaks on time and use sleeper berth periods as allowed.
- If your carrier uses ELDs, ensure your device is certified and functioning.
- Be aware of state-specific intrastate rules if you’re operating only within one state.
This page was last edited on 3 February 2026, at 04:55 (CET).