DOT Hours of Service Rule Explained
December 10, 2025
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Driving is just one part of a driver's day. There's also the ongoing balance of staying alert, meeting schedules, and following hours‑of‑service rules that shape every shift. It may seem like tracking time, but these limits dictate when work starts, how long it can last, and when rest must happen. Missteps can lead to fines, delays, and safety concerns. A clear understanding of DOT hours of service helps fleets stay ahead.
What Are DOT Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations?
The DOT hours of service regulations were created to prevent fatigue‑related crashes by limiting how long commercial drivers can operate vehicles. These rules apply to most carriers and drivers who operate commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce, and they are enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
At the core, HOS rules outline when a driver can be on duty and when rest is required. This includes maximum driving time, minimum off‑duty periods, and required breaks. The goal is to reduce the risk of exhaustion behind the wheel while keeping operations predictable and safe.
Every motor carrier subject to DOT oversight must monitor HOS records and keep them current. Maintaining accurate records supports safer working conditions and helps protect the company from potential liability. For any fleet that moves freight or passengers across state lines, HOS compliance is non‑negotiable. Well‑documented logs also protect a DOT audit, where even small inconsistencies can lead to significant penalties.
Key HOS Rules Every Trucking Company Must Follow
Understanding the key HOS rules helps companies manage operations without risking violations. While specifics vary by the type of service or vehicle, most property‑carrying drivers must follow a consistent structure each day.
Here are the core rules most fleets need to follow:
11-Hour Driving Limit
After 10 consecutive hours off duty, drivers may drive up to 11 hours.
14-Hour Limit
No driving after 14 hours on duty, even if breaks were taken.
Restart Provision:
A 34-hour consecutive off-duty period resets the 60/70-hour calculation.
30-Minute Break
A break is required after 8 cumulative hours of driving time, which must be at least 30 minutes off duty or in a sleeper berth.
60/70-Hour Limit:
Drivers may not exceed 60 hours on duty over 7 days, or 70 hours over 8 days, depending on the carrier’s schedule.
Violations of these limits can lead to costly
DOT violations, putting safety scores and business reputations at risk.
Understanding the 14-Hour and 11-Hour Driving Limits
Two of the most closely watched HOS limits are the 14‑hour on‑duty window and the 11‑hour driving limit. Together, they define how much time a driver can legally operate before rest.
The 14‑hour limit begins once a driver comes on duty, whether driving or handling other tasks like inspections, fueling, or loading. After 14 hours, driving is no longer permitted, even if the driver has not reached 11 hours of drive time. This window does not pause for breaks or non‑driving tasks.
The 11‑hour limit is the maximum time a driver can spend behind the wheel during that 14‑hour period. To access the full 11 hours, drivers must have had at least 10 consecutive hours off duty beforehand.
These two rules work together to keep drive time predictable and help reduce fatigue risk. Logging systems must accurately reflect both limits to avoid violations during inspections or audits.
30-Minute Break Requirement and Sleeper Berth Provisions
To help manage fatigue, the FMCSA requires drivers to take a break after a certain amount of driving time. The 30‑minute break rule applies once a driver has reached 8 cumulative hours of driving time without at least 30 minutes off duty. The break can be taken off duty, in the sleeper berth, or using a combination of both, but it must be uninterrupted.
For longer hauls, the sleeper berth provision allows some flexibility. Drivers using a sleeper berth can split their required 10 hours off duty into two periods, as long as one segment is at least 7 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth and the other is at least 2 hours. When combined, these periods pause the 14‑hour driving window.
When implemented correctly, these options help drivers extend their routes while staying compliant. They also give fleets more control over scheduling and rest planning across shifts.
Who Must Comply With HOS Rules?
HOS regulations apply to most commercial drivers and motor carriers operating across state lines in the United States. The rules are enforced at the federal level through the FMCSA and affect a wide range of businesses, not only long‑haul trucking.
Drivers and companies must comply if they meet any of the following conditions:
- Operate a vehicle over 10,001 pounds in gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight
- Transport hazardous materials that require placarding under DOT regulations
- Carry 9 or more passengers (including the driver) for compensation
- Carry 16 or more passengers (including the driver) not for compensation
That means the rules cover more than traditional freight haulers. Delivery services, shuttle operations, and some service‑based companies may fall under HOS requirements depending on their fleet.
Understanding who qualifies helps businesses avoid unexpected violations and prepares them to meet recordkeeping and monitoring responsibilities from day one. A
compliant driver's program helps standardize that process across teams.
How to Stay HOS Compliant with Smart Fleet Management Tools
DOT hours of service compliance depends on consistent tracking, accurate records, and systems that help identify risks before they lead to violations. For many fleets, technology offers a measurable improvement.
Using a fleet management platform like DOTFocused gives companies a clear view of driver hours, alerts when limits approach, and tools to store and manage records in real time. It replaces manual logs with automated data, reducing the chance of missed entries or audit triggers.
Features like ELD integration, exception reporting, and dashboard visibility help operations teams keep drivers legal while staying productive. With the right support, compliance fits into the daily routine instead of becoming a last‑minute scramble.
National Fleet Services provides both the tools and the expertise to simplify HOS compliance from start to finish.
Have questions or want to see how it works?
Contact us to learn more.
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