hoursofservice

Hours of service (HOS) refers to regulatory rules governing the working and driving hours of commercial motor vehicle drivers to reduce fatigue and improve road safety. HOS rules specify limits on driving time, on-duty time, and required rest and off-duty periods. In the United States, HOS regulations are overseen by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The rules include a maximum of 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty within a 14-hour on-duty period, and a driver may not drive beyond the 14-hour window after coming on duty. After 8 hours of on-duty time, a 30-minute break is required. There are weekly balance limits, typically 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days, with a 34-hour restart to reset the cycle. Sleeper berth rules allow portions of rest to be counted differently toward on-duty time. Since 2017, most drivers use electronic logging devices (ELDs) to record duty status, replacing traditional paper logs and aiding enforcement.

The purpose of HOS regulations is to limit fatigue-related risk, promote safety, and standardize expectations across carriers. They are enforced through inspections and violations can result in penalties, fines, or out-of-service orders. Regulations also include exemptions for certain types of operations and conditions, such as adverse weather or short-haul driving, and there are variations in exceptions and administration at state or regional levels.

Outside the United States, hours of service rules vary by country. In the European Union, for example, drivers face separate limits on daily and weekly driving time and mandatory rest periods, typically enforced by tachographs. Overall, HOS programs aim to balance freight efficiency with driver safety and well-being.