918-423-0421

Free Case Evaluation >

Hours of Service Regulations Protect Truck Drivers’ Lives and Yours

Semi-truck with tipping cargo trailer transporting sand from quarry driving on highway hauling goods in evening. Delivery transportation and logistics concept.

How Many Hours Can Truck Drivers Drive in a Day?

To help keep our roads safe, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. These rules are designed to ensure that truck drivers get enough rest and don’t drive while fatigued — a major cause of serious and sometimes deadly crashes.

If you or a loved one was injured in a truck accident caused by a fatigued driver, the attorneys at Stipe Law Firm are here to help. We understand the complexities of these cases and how HOS violations can impact liability.

Key Hours of Service (HOS) Rules

Truck drivers must follow specific limits and rest periods during their workweek. Here’s a breakdown:

  • 14-Hour Daily Limit: Drivers can be on duty for up to 14 hours in a day, but may only drive for 11 of those hours.
  • 30-Minute Break: A break is required by the 8th hour on duty.
  • 10 Hours Off Duty: Drivers must rest for at least 10 consecutive hours before starting a new shift.
  • 60/70-Hour Rule: Drivers may work up to 60 hours over 7 days or 70 hours over 8 days, depending on the carrier’s schedule.
  • 34-Hour Restart: To reset the 7-day or 8-day workweek clock, drivers must take at least 34 consecutive hours off, including two overnight periods from 1:00 a.m. to 5:00 a.m.
  • Exceptions: Some exceptions apply to short-haul drivers and during adverse weather conditions.

What Happens When Drivers Break These Rules?

Violating HOS regulations is serious. Drivers and trucking companies can face:

  • Roadside Shutdowns until the driver is compliant.
  • Fines from local, state, or federal agencies.
  • FMCSA Penalties from $1,000 to $11,000 per violation.
  • Lower Safety Ratings, which can impact a company’s reputation and insurance.
  • Suspension of Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) for repeated violations.
  • Criminal Charges if a company knowingly forces a driver to violate the rules or if a driver knowingly breaks them.

In accidents involving HOS violations or falsified driving logs, some states may presume the driver or trucking company was negligent, opening the door for punitive damages.

We’re Here to Help

If a fatigued truck driver caused your accident, or if a trucking company pressured a driver to stay on the road in violation of federal rules, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, lost wages, and more.

Let Stipe Law Firm stand up for you. Based in McAlester, we help individuals and families across Oklahoma hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Call us at (918) 505-7741 or fill out our contact form to schedule your free, no-obligation consultation.