Hours of Service (HOS)
Federal regulations that limit the number of hours a commercial truck driver can operate a vehicle before taking mandatory rest breaks. Under current rules, drivers can drive a maximum of 11 hours within a 14-hour on-duty window after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Drivers must also take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving. HOS rules are designed to prevent fatigue-related crashes.
Detailed Explanation
Federal regulations that limit the number of hours a commercial truck driver can operate a vehicle before taking mandatory rest breaks. Under current rules, drivers can drive a maximum of 11 hours within a 14-hour on-duty window after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Drivers must also take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving. HOS rules are designed to prevent fatigue-related crashes.
Example
A driver logs 10.5 hours of driving time and must stop for the day, even though they are only 45 miles from the delivery. HOS rules require 10 consecutive hours off duty before they can resume driving.
Related Resources
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