Key FMCSA HOS rules include: 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty, 14-hour on-duty window, 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving, and a 60/70-hour limit over 7/8 consecutive days.
Hours of Service rules exist to reduce driver fatigue and improve road safety. Here's a plain-language breakdown of the key rules.
The 11-Hour Driving Limit
You may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Once used, you must take at least 10 hours off before driving again.
The 14-Hour On-Duty Window
You may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty — regardless of how many hours you've actually driven. This clock cannot be paused by a short rest.
The 30-Minute Break Rule
If you've driven 8 cumulative hours without at least a 30-minute interruption, you must take a 30-minute break before continuing to drive.
The 60/70-Hour Limit
You may not drive after 70 hours on duty in 8 consecutive days (if your carrier operates every day), or 60 hours in 7 consecutive days (if it does not). You can restart the clock after taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty.
The Sleeper Berth Provision
Drivers with a sleeper berth can split the required 10-hour rest into two periods: one minimum 7 consecutive hours in the berth plus additional rest, with the two periods totaling at least 10 consecutive hours combined.
Short-Haul Exemption
If you operate within a 150 air-mile radius and return within 14 hours each day, you may be exempt from ELD requirements.
Adverse Weather Extension
When unexpected severe weather or road conditions arise mid-trip, drivers may extend their driving and on-duty time by up to 2 hours to reach a safe stopping point or their destination.
Recap Hours
Hours from days older than 7 (for the 7-day cycle) or 8 (for the 8-day cycle) days drop off the rolling cycle automatically, restoring those hours to your available total. No 34-hour restart is needed for recap — the hours return naturally as old days age out of the cycle. Recap hours are visible on the Driver App dashboard and in the Fleet Portal. A 34-hour restart resets the full cycle when needed.
Route One ELD automatically tracks all of these rules and alerts you before violations occur. The ELD enters driving mode automatically at 5 mph. Learn how to view HOS violations in the driver app.