Hours of Service Regulations for Trucking Companies and Truck Drivers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes and enforces the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations for truck drivers in the United States. These rules aim to reduce driver fatigue and improve road safety by regulating the amount of time commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers can drive and work. This article will provide an in-depth overview of the HOS regulations applicable to both property-carrying and passenger-carrying truck drivers and commercial vehicle drivers.

Property Carrying Commercial Vehicle Drivers

A property carrying CMV (Commercial Motor Vehicle) driver is a professional driver who operates commercial vehicles specifically designed to transport goods, materials, or freight. These vehicles, also known as cargo trucks, 18-wheelers, or semi-trucks, are typically larger and heavier than regular passenger vehicles and require specialized training and licensing to operate. The following hours of service regulations apply to property carrying CMV drivers:

11-Hour Driving Limit

Drivers are allowed to drive for a maximum of 11 hours after taking 10 consecutive hours off duty. This rule is designed to ensure drivers have enough rest before embarking on a driving shift.

14-Hour On-Duty Limit

Drivers may not drive after the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty. This means that all driving must be completed within a 14-hour window, which includes any breaks or non-driving work activities.

30-Minute Break Rule

If more than 8 consecutive hours have passed since the last off-duty period of at least 30 minutes, drivers must take a break before driving again. This break can be an off-duty or sleeper berth period.

60/70-Hour Duty Limit

Drivers may not drive after accumulating 60 or 70 hours on duty in 7 or 8 consecutive days, respectively. A 34-hour or longer off-duty period restarts the 7/8-day count.

Passenger Carrying Commercial Vehicle Drivers

Passenger carrying CMV (Commercial Motor Vehicle) drivers are professional drivers who operate commercial vehicles specifically designed to transport passengers. These vehicles include buses, shuttles, and motorcoaches. Passenger-carrying CMV drivers are responsible for the safety and comfort of their passengers and require specialized training and licensing to operate these vehicles. The HOS regulations for passenger carrying CMV drivers include:

10-Hour Driving Limit

Passenger-carrying drivers may drive a maximum of 10 hours after taking 8 consecutive hours off duty. This rule ensures that drivers have sufficient rest before operating a passenger-carrying vehicle.

15-Hour On-Duty Limit

Drivers may not drive after being on duty for 15 hours, following 8 consecutive hours off duty. This 15-hour limit includes driving time, breaks, and any other work-related activities.

No 30-Minute Break Requirement

Unlike property-carrying drivers, passenger-carrying drivers are not required to take a 30-minute break after 8 consecutive hours on duty.

60/70-Hour Duty Limit

Similar to property-carrying drivers, passenger-carrying drivers may not drive after accumulating 60 or 70 hours on duty in 7 or 8 consecutive days, respectively.

What Happens When a Truck Driver Violates Hours of Service Rules?

The Hours of Service (HOS) regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) are designed to prevent driver fatigue and promote road safety. However, there may be instances where truck drivers or trucking companies violate these rules. In this Section, we will discuss the potential consequences of violating HOS regulations and the impact on both the driver and the trucking company.

Consequences for Truck Drivers

When a truck driver violates the HOS regulations, they may face various consequences, including:

Fines and Penalties

The FMCSA and state enforcement agencies may impose fines and penalties on drivers who violate HOS rules. These fines can be significant, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars, depending on the severity and frequency of the violations.

Out-of-Service Orders

In some cases, if a driver is found to be in violation of HOS regulations during an inspection, they may be placed out of service. This means that the driver is prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle until they have accumulated enough off-duty time to comply with HOS requirements.

Impact on Driving Record and Commercial Driver's License (CDL)

Violations of HOS rules may be recorded on the driver's Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) score, negatively affecting their driving record. Repeated violations may result in the suspension or revocation of the driver's CDL, impacting their ability to work in the trucking industry.

Consequences for Trucking Companies

It’s not just the truck driver that can get in trouble for violating HOS regulations. Trucking companies that encourage or allow drivers to violate HOS regulations may also face penalties and consequences, including the following:

Fines and Penalties

Like truck drivers, trucking companies can be fined for allowing or encouraging HOS violations. The FMCSA may impose fines on the company, potentially affecting its financial stability.

Impact on Company Safety Rating

A company's safety rating may be negatively affected by HOS violations committed by its drivers. A poor safety rating can lead to increased scrutiny from regulatory agencies, as well as potential loss of business and contracts.

Legal Liability

In the event of an accident involving a driver who violated HOS regulations, the trucking company may be held legally liable for any injuries or damages resulting from the crash. This can lead to costly lawsuits and settlements, as well as damage to the company's reputation.

How Can You Determine If a Trucker Violated the Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations?

Determining if a trucker has violated the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) involves examining various records and evidence. Here are some methods to help identify possible HOS violations:

• Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): The majority of commercial truck drivers are required to use ELDs, which automatically record driving time, engine hours, vehicle movement, and other data. ELDs make it easier to track a driver's compliance with HOS regulations, as they provide accurate and up-to-date records of driving hours, rest periods, and duty status changes.
• Paper Logbooks: Some truck drivers may still use paper logbooks to document their driving hours and duty status. While these records are less accurate than ELDs and can be susceptible to manipulation, a thorough review of logbook entries, cross-referenced with other evidence, may reveal discrepancies that indicate HOS violations.
• Bills of Lading, Dispatch Records, and GPS Data: Additional documentation, such as bills of lading, dispatch records, and GPS data, can help identify discrepancies between a driver's recorded duty status and their actual activities. Comparing these records with ELD data or logbook entries may reveal inconsistencies that suggest HOS violations.
• Roadside Inspections: Law enforcement officers and regulatory agencies often perform random roadside inspections of commercial vehicles to ensure compliance with safety regulations, including HOS rules. During these inspections, officers may review a driver's ELD data or logbook entries, and any discrepancies found may result in penalties or out-of-service orders.
• Accident Investigations: In the event of an accident involving a commercial truck, investigators may examine the driver's records, ELD data, and other documentation to determine if HOS violations contributed to the crash. Evidence of non-compliance with HOS regulations can have significant legal implications for both the driver and the trucking company.

To accurately determine if a trucker has violated HOS regulations, it is essential to conduct a thorough examination of all relevant records and evidence. In some cases, legal assistance from an experienced attorney may be necessary to navigate the complex process of investigating HOS violations and their potential impact on liability and compensation claims.

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