What you’ll learn in this article:
- The FMCSA hours of service rules limit truck driver hours per day, per week, and require rest breaks.
- How regulations are enforced through logbooks, electronic monitoring, and weigh station inspections.
- The hazards of drowsy driving.
- If injured by a drowsy truck driver, contact a truck accident attorney.
Commercial truck drivers play a vital role in keeping our economy running by transporting goods across the country. However, operating an 80,000-pound rig for endless hours can be grueling and unsafe if drivers are not given ample time to rest. To address this issue, federal regulations strictly govern how many hours truckers can legally drive. Understanding these rules is important for both truck drivers and the public sharing the roads.
This article answers the question “how many hours can a trucker legally drive” providing an overview of the hour limits imposed on the trucking industry, why they matter for trucking safety, how truckers can comply, and what to do if you’re injured by a drowsy or overworked driver.
FMCSA Hours of Service Rules: How Many Hours Can a Trucker Legally Drive?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the maximum semi truck driving time and required breaks for all commercial truckers crossing state lines. Known as hours of service (HOS) rules, key limitations include:
- 11-hour driving limit: Truckers can drive a maximum of 11 hours per 24-hour period after being off-duty for 10 consecutive hours.
- 14-hour work limit: Total on-duty time, including driving and other work, cannot exceed 14 hours per day.
- 60/70 hour limits: Truckers cannot drive after 60 hours on duty over 7 days or 70 hours over 8 days.
- Rest breaks: A 30-minute rest break is required during the first 8 hours of a shift.
- Sleeper berth: Split rest periods in a berth can substitute for a 10-hour break.
These regulations balance truckers’ need to move freight efficiently with the necessity of rest to avoid fatigued driving. Violating HOS rules puts truckers and other motorists at risk.
Enforcing HOS Compliance
Truck drivers must keep detailed records of their duty status and driving times in logbooks, which may be audited. Electronic logging devices that sync with a vehicle’s engine to capture precise hours are becoming mandatory.
Weigh stations inspect driver logs for compliance. Violations of HOS rules carry hefty fines and penalties. Trucking companies are also responsible for monitoring driver schedules and may be liable if encouraging or allowing excess hours.
Drowsy Driving Hazards
Research shows crash risk substantially increases after the 8th hour of driving, with the highest risk after 11 hours. Fatigued drivers experience:
- Slower reaction time: Increased braking distance and slower avoidance maneuvers.
- Impaired judgment: Poor lane tracking, following distance, and speed control.
- Reduced alertness: Difficulty processing road hazards and information.
- Microsleeps: Short lapses of consciousness for 4-5 seconds.
These behaviors can be as dangerous as drunk driving. The FMCSA estimates fatigued commercial driving causes at least 13% of truck crashes annually. Rest regulations help reduce preventable collisions.
What to Do After an Accident
If you or a loved one are injured by a drowsy truck driver, take these steps:
- Seek medical attention immediately
- Document the scene
- Get contact info
- Save records
- Contact a truck accident attorney
McCoy & Sparks: Experienced Truck Accident Attorneys in Kentucky
Truckers push themselves to meet delivery times, but no shipment is worth a life. Violating rest rules endangers everyone. By holding negligent drivers and companies accountable, safety improves for all motorists. If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident in Kentucky and a drowsy truck driver was at fault, contact McCoy & Sparks today. We’ve been helping Kentucky’s injured people for more than a decade. Let’s discuss your situation and your options. You deserve to feel empowered to take action and continue the road to recovery.
You owe McCoy & Sparks nothing unless we recover compensation for you. Schedule your FREE consultation today. Call 844-459-9467 or fill out our online form.