Hours of Service (HOS) rules are the FMCSA regulations that limit how many hours you can drive and must rest. Violating HOS rules is one of the most common reasons drivers receive CSA violations, go out of service at weigh stations, and face fines. Here's a plain English breakdown.

The 5 key HOS rules for property-carrying drivers

Rule 1: The 11-Hour Driving Limit

You may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Once you've driven 11 hours, you must stop driving and take 10 hours off before driving again. The clock resets after 10 hours off duty.

Rule 2: The 14-Hour On-Duty Window

You may not drive after the 14th hour after coming on duty, following 10 hours off duty. Even if you've only driven 6 hours, once 14 hours have elapsed since you started your day (including breaks, loading, waiting time), you cannot drive until you rest. This window does not stop for breaks or rest stops shorter than 10 hours.

Rule 3: The 30-Minute Break Rule

If you've been driving for 8 cumulative hours without at least a 30-minute interruption, you must take a break before driving again. The break can be taken on-duty (not driving) or off-duty.

Rule 4: The 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit

You may not drive after: 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days (if you don't operate every day of the week), OR 70 hours on duty in 8 consecutive days (if you operate every day). This "weekly clock" counts all on-duty time across all employers if you work for multiple carriers.

Rule 5: The 34-Hour Restart

You can "restart" your 60/70-hour weekly clock by taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty. After 34 hours completely off, you start fresh with a full 60 or 70 hours.

Short-haul exemption from HOS logs

If you operate within 150 air miles of your home terminal and return within 14 hours, you may use a timecard instead of logs. This exemption eliminates the need for an ELD for many local and regional drivers.