What is HOS? Complete Hours of Service Rules Guide for 2025

Hours of Service (HOS) violations are among the most frequently cited during DOT roadside inspections and audits, resulting in $1,000+ fines per violation and immediate out-of-service orders that sideline drivers and disrupt operations. Every commercial driver operating property-carrying or passenger-carrying vehicles must comply with strict HOS regulations designed to combat driver fatigue.

Despite being one of the most fundamental DOT requirements, HOS rules remain one of the most confusing aspects of commercial driving. Between 11-hour driving limits, 14-hour on-duty windows, 30-minute break requirements, and complex restart provisions, drivers and fleet managers must navigate intricate time-tracking regulations that change based on operation type.

This comprehensive guide explains what HOS is, breaks down every major HOS rule, identifies common violations, and provides practical strategies to maintain compliance in 2025.

What is HOS (Hours of Service)?

Hours of Service (HOS) are federal regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that limit the number of hours commercial drivers can drive and work within specific timeframes. The regulations are codified in 49 CFR Part 395.

The purpose of HOS regulations is to reduce accidents caused by driver fatigue. By limiting consecutive driving hours and requiring mandatory rest periods, FMCSA aims to ensure drivers are alert and capable of safely operating commercial motor vehicles.

Who Must Follow HOS Rules?

HOS regulations apply to drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce. You must comply with HOS if your vehicle:

• Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR) of 10,001 pounds or more
• Is designed or used to transport 9-15 passengers (including driver) for compensation
• Is designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers (including driver)
• Transports hazardous materials requiring placards

Individual states may have HOS regulations for intrastate commerce (within a single state) that differ from federal rules. Always check your state's specific requirements if you only operate intrastate.

The 11-Hour Driving Limit

The 11-hour rule is the foundation of HOS regulations for property-carrying drivers. Under §395.3(a)(1), drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.

Key Points:

• The 11 hours is driving time only—not on-duty time
• You must take at least 10 consecutive hours off duty before starting a new 11-hour driving period
• The 11-hour clock starts when you begin driving, not when you go on duty
• Once you've driven 11 hours, you cannot drive again until you take a 10-hour break

The 14-Hour On-Duty Window

The 14-hour rule limits the total on-duty period during which driving is permitted. According to §395.3(a)(2), drivers may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, regardless of how much driving was done within that period.

Critical Understanding:

• The 14-hour clock starts when you first go on duty (begin work)
• The clock runs continuously for 14 hours—it does NOT pause for breaks or non-driving tasks
• Once 14 hours have passed since you went on duty, you cannot drive again until you take 10 consecutive hours off duty
• Non-driving work (loading, inspections, fueling) counts toward your 14 hours but not your 11-hour driving limit

Example Scenario:

You start your shift at 6:00 AM. You can drive until 8:00 PM (14 hours later), even if you only drove for 6 hours during that time. At 8:00 PM, you must stop driving regardless of whether you've used all 11 driving hours. The only way to reset is to take 10 consecutive hours off duty.

30-Minute Break Requirement

Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving time. This break can be satisfied by any non-driving period of at least 30 consecutive minutes (§395.3(a)(3)(ii)).

Break Requirements:

• Must be at least 30 consecutive minutes
• Can be satisfied by any non-driving time (on-duty not driving or off-duty)
• Loading, unloading, or attending the vehicle (not driving) count as break time
• Break does NOT extend the 14-hour window
• Must occur before the end of your 8th hour of driving

Important Note: As of June 1, 2020, the break can be satisfied by any non-driving period, not just off-duty time. This means time spent loading, fueling, or other on-duty-not-driving activities can count toward your 30-minute break.

HOS Rules Quick Reference Table

60/70-Hour Multi-Day Limit

In addition to daily limits, drivers cannot exceed a total number of on-duty hours over multiple consecutive days:

60-Hour/7-Day Rule:

Drivers may not drive after being on duty for 60 hours in any 7 consecutive days. This applies to carriers that do NOT operate vehicles every day of the week.

70-Hour/8-Day Rule:

Drivers may not drive after being on duty for 70 hours in any 8 consecutive days. This applies to carriers that operate vehicles every day of the week.

Your motor carrier determines which rule applies based on their operation schedule. Most over-the-road carriers use the 70-hour/8-day rule.

34-Hour Restart

The 34-hour restart allows drivers to reset their 60/70-hour clock by taking at least 34 consecutive hours off duty. After completing a 34-hour restart, the previous 60 or 70 hours of on-duty time no longer count toward your multi-day limit.

Restart Requirements:

• Must be at least 34 consecutive hours off duty or in the sleeper berth
• Can be used to reset your 60/70-hour clock at any time
• No limit on how frequently you can use restarts

Example: If you've worked 60 hours over the past 7 days and want to drive again, you can take a 34-hour restart. After the restart, your on-duty time resets to zero for calculating the 60/70-hour limit.

Common HOS Violations and Penalties

Based on roadside inspection data, here are the most frequently cited HOS violations:

1. Exceeding 11-Hour Driving Limit

Violation: Driving more than 11 hours after coming on duty following 10 consecutive hours off duty.

Penalty: Out-of-service order until driver has enough off-duty time to reset. Civil penalty of $1,000+ per violation. CSA severity weight of 7 points.

Common Cause: Poor trip planning, unexpected delays, or ELD malfunctions not properly documented.

2. Driving After 14 Consecutive Hours On Duty

Violation: Operating a CMV after the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.

Penalty: Out-of-service order. $1,000+ fine. 7 CSA severity points.

Common Cause: Drivers not understanding that the 14-hour clock doesn't stop for breaks.

3. Failing to Take Required 30-Minute Break

Violation: Driving after 8 cumulative hours without taking at least a 30-minute break.

Penalty: Out-of-service order. $500-$1,000 fine. 4 CSA severity points.

Common Cause: Forgetting to log break time or misunderstanding that loading/unloading now counts as break time.

4. False Log Entries / ELD Manipulation

Violation: Falsifying logs, editing ELD records improperly, or operating with disconnected ELD.

Penalty: $10,000+ fine for driver. Potential disqualification. Criminal charges possible for egregious violations.

Common Cause: Pressure to meet delivery deadlines, intentional circumvention of HOS rules.

ELD Requirements for HOS Compliance

Since December 18, 2017, most commercial drivers must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to record their hours of service. The ELD Mandate requires automatic, tamper-resistant electronic recording of driving time.

Who Must Use an ELD?

ELDs are required for drivers who are currently required to maintain Records of Duty Status (RODS) under HOS regulations. This includes most CMV drivers except:

• Drivers operating under the short-haul exception (within 150 air-miles, return to same location daily)
• Drivers who use paper logs 8 days or fewer in a 30-day period
• Drivers of vehicles manufactured before model year 2000
• Driveaway-towaway operations

ELD Requirements:

• Must be registered and certified with FMCSA
• Automatically records driving time, engine hours, vehicle movement
• Synchronizes with vehicle's engine
• Driver must certify duty status changes
• Must be able to transfer data to enforcement officials during inspections

Frequently Asked Questions

What does HOS stand for?

HOS stands for Hours of Service. It refers to the federal regulations that govern how many hours commercial drivers can drive and work within specific timeframes to prevent fatigue-related accidents.

Can I pause my 14-hour clock?

No. The 14-hour on-duty clock runs continuously from the time you first go on duty and cannot be paused or extended by breaks or off-duty time. The only way to reset the 14-hour clock is to take 10 consecutive hours off duty.

Does loading and unloading count as driving time?

No. Loading and unloading are considered on-duty not driving. They count toward your 14-hour on-duty window but NOT toward your 11-hour driving limit. They can also count toward your 30-minute break requirement.

What is the sleeper berth provision?

The sleeper berth provision allows drivers to split their required 10-hour off-duty time into two periods: one period of at least 7 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth, and another period of at least 2 consecutive hours (either off duty or in the sleeper berth). This allows more flexible scheduling while still ensuring adequate rest.

How does HOS apply to team drivers?

Each team driver must follow HOS regulations individually. While one driver is in the sleeper berth, the other driver can drive, but each driver must track their own 11-hour driving limit and 14-hour on-duty window. Team driving doesn't provide exemptions from HOS rules.

What happens if I have an HOS violation during a roadside inspection?

If inspectors find an HOS violation during a roadside inspection, they will typically place the driver out-of-service until sufficient off-duty time has accrued to comply with HOS. The driver and/or carrier may receive citations, fines, and CSA points. The vehicle cannot move until the driver is legally able to drive again.

Simplify HOS Tracking with FleetCollect

While ELDs automatically track driving time, managing HOS compliance across an entire fleet requires oversight, reporting, and proactive violation prevention. FleetCollect integrates with your ELD system to provide fleet-level HOS monitoring and compliance management.

HOS Compliance Features:

• Real-time visibility into driver HOS status across your entire fleet
• Alerts when drivers are approaching HOS limits
• Integration with major ELD providers for seamless data flow
• Automated HOS violation reporting and documentation
• Historical HOS data for DOT audits and compliance reviews

Whether you track HOS manually through ELD portals or use centralized fleet management software like FleetCollect, effective HOS monitoring prevents costly violations and keeps your drivers safe and compliant.

Master Hours of Service Compliance

Hours of Service regulations form the foundation of driver safety and DOT compliance. Understanding the 11-hour driving limit, 14-hour on-duty window, 30-minute break requirement, and multi-day limits is essential for every commercial driver and fleet manager.

HOS violations carry significant consequences: immediate out-of-service orders, $1,000+ fines, CSA points that affect your safety rating, and potential disqualification for serious or repeated violations. Yet most HOS violations are preventable through proper planning, accurate logging, and understanding how the various time limits interact.

Use ELDs properly, plan trips within HOS limits, take required breaks, and monitor your drivers' available hours proactively. Whether you manage HOS through ELD portals or integrated fleet compliance platforms, staying on top of Hours of Service is non-negotiable for safe, legal commercial operations.