Truck drivers can drive up to 11 hours a day within a 14-hour work window, according to FMCSA regulations. For passenger-carrying drivers, the limit is 10 hours within a 15-hour on-duty period. Wondering how many hours can a truck driver drive a day? These federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules are designed to prevent fatigue and ensure safety on the road. Whether you’re just starting your trucking career or managing a fleet, understanding HOS limits, key exceptions, and compliance guidelines is essential. In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to stay safe behind the wheel.
How many hours can a truck driver drive a day?
Under FMCSA regulations, 11-hour driving within a 14-hour working and 10-hour driving within 15-hour working are the maximum driving hours per day for a driver. More specifically:
- Property-carrying truck drivers: Can drive a maximum of 11 hours within a 14-hour window after 10 consecutive hours off-duty.
- Passenger-carrying drivers: Limited to 10 hours of driving within a 15-hour duty period.
These rules prevent fatigue and promote road safety.
Hours of Service (HOS) rules for truck drivers
Let’s take a closer look at the Hours of Service (HOS) rules that govern driving limits of a truck driver. These regulations are enforced by the FMCSA to reduce fatigue-related crashes and ensure safer roads for everyone, as shown in the table below:
| HOS Rules | Property-Carrying Drivers | Passenger-Carrying Drivers |
| 11-Hour Driving Limit | Allowed to drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
|
Not applicable. |
| 10-Hour Driving Limit | Not applicable. | Allowed to drive up to 10 hours after 8 consecutive hours off duty.
|
| 14-Hour Limit | No driving is allowed after 14 consecutive hours, even if the 11-hour driving limit isn’t reached
|
Not applicable. |
| 15-Hour Limit | Not applicable. | May not drive after being on duty for 15 hours, following 8 consecutive hours off duty. |
| 30-Minute Driving Break | Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving without a 30-minute break. The break can be:
|
Not specifically required under FMCSA rules. |
| 60/70-Hour Limit | May not drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days, depending on carrier schedule.
|
|
| Sleeper Berth Provision | May split 10-hour off-duty into two segments:
|
May also use split sleeper provision of at least 8 hours.
|
| Adverse Driving Conditions | May extend driving time by up to 2 hours due to adverse conditions. | |
| Short-Haul Exception | Exempt from some HOS rules if staying within a 150 air-mile radius and returning to the reporting location. | |
Who must follow the HOS rules?
These rules apply to most drivers operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in the United States. This includes:
Drivers Operating a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV)
According to the FMCSA, if the vehicle meets any one of the criteria above, the driver must follow federal HOS rules:
- Vehicles weighing 10,001+ lbs or transporting hazardous materials.
- Passenger vehicles carrying 9+ paid passengers or 16+ unpaid passengers
- The vehicle is transporting hazardous materials requiring placarding.
Interstate vs. Intrastate Drivers
- Interstate drivers (those crossing state lines or transporting across state boundaries) are governed by federal HOS rules.
- Intrastate drivers (those who only operate within one state) may be subject to state-specific HOS laws, which can differ slightly. However, most states closely mirror federal rules.
Note: Always check with your state’s Department of Transportation (DOT) if you’re unsure whether state or federal HOS rules apply.
Other cases
-
- Non-CDL drivers: If the vehicle type and purpose fall under HOS regulation, the driver must comply, regardless of license class.
- Motor carriers
Exception HOS for truck drivers
While most drivers follow standard HOS, some exceptions provide flexibility under specific conditions:
1. Short-Haul Exemption
This exemption is ideal for local drivers or daily return-to-home operations:
- Operate within a 150-mile air radius
- Must return to the same reporting location within 14 hours
2. Adverse Driving Conditions Exception
- Extends the 11-hour driving limit by up to 2 hours
- Must be unforeseen and cause a delay (e.g., bad weather, accidents)
3. Emergency Relief
During officially declared emergencies (like natural disasters, pandemics, or fuel crises), the FMCSA can temporarily suspend HOS regulations for affected drivers transporting relief goods.
4. Agricultural Exemption
Drivers transporting livestock or agricultural commodities are exempt from HOS rules within a 150 air-mile radius of the source. This rule helps preserve animal welfare and prevent product spoilage in time-sensitive hauls.
FAQs
1. What happens if a truck driver exceeds the 14-hour clock?
Exceeding the 14-hour on-duty limit is considered a violation of FMCSA’s HOS regulations.
Consequences may include:
- Fines or penalties: Both the driver and the carrier can be fined by the FMCSA or local enforcement agencies. Fines may vary by jurisdiction but can range from hundreds to thousands of dollars.
- Out-of-service orders: A driver caught operating past the legal limit may be ordered off duty immediately, which causes delays and impacts delivery schedules.
- Impact on safety scores: Violations can affect the carrier’s CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) score, which can lead to increased audits and scrutiny.
- Risk of accidents: Driving beyond the limit increases fatigue-related crash risk, which is exactly what the 14-hour rule aims to prevent.
Once the 14-hour clock starts (after coming on duty), it does not pause for breaks. After 14 consecutive hours, the driver cannot drive again until they’ve taken 10 consecutive hours off duty.
2. Can a truck driver drive 14 hours in one day?
No, a truck driver cannot legally drive for 14 hours straight in one day under FMCSA’s Hours of Service rules.
Here’s how it works:
- A property-carrying driver is allowed to drive up to 11 hours within a 14-hour on-duty window.
- Even if the driver takes breaks, naps, or delays during the shift, the 14-hour clock keeps running.
- The driver must stop driving once the 14th hour hits, regardless of how many hours they’ve actually spent behind the wheel.
In some cases, drivers may extend driving time by 2 hours under the Adverse Driving Conditions Exception—but this must be properly documented and justified.
Final thoughts
Learning “How many hours can a truck driver drive a day” is crucial for staying safe, legal, and efficient on the road. The FMCSA’s Hours of Service (HOS) rules are designed to prevent fatigue and protect everyone on the highway. Whether you’re behind the wheel or managing a fleet, staying informed and using tools like ELDs can help you stay compliant and avoid costly violations. Stay safe. Drive smart. Follow the hours!
