Federal law limits most truck drivers to 11 hours of driving per day
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the rules for how long a truck driver can be behind the wheel. The basic limit is 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour workday. That means you can drive for up to 11 of those 14 hours, but the other 3 hours must be off-duty time — no driving, no on-duty work like loading or paperwork.
This is not a suggestion or a best practice. It is a federal regulation that applies to most commercial truck drivers operating vehicles over 10,000 pounds. Violating these rules can result in fines for both the driver and the carrier, and violations are recorded on your safety record.
The 14-hour window resets after you take 10 consecutive hours off duty. So if you finish driving at 6 p.m. and take 10 hours off, your new 14-hour window starts at 4 a.m. the next day.
Key Takeaways
- You can drive a maximum of 11 hours within a 14-hour workday under federal FMCSA rules.
- The 14-hour window includes all on-duty time — driving, loading, unloading, and inspections — not just driving hours.
- You must take 10 consecutive hours off duty to reset your daily limit, and this time cannot include any work.
- Some states and carriers impose stricter limits than federal law, so your actual daily limit may be lower than 11 hours.
- Electronic logging devices (ELDs) automatically track your hours and alert you when you are approaching the limit.
What counts as "on-duty" time versus driving time
The FMCSA distinguishes between driving time and on-duty time. Driving time is only the hours you spend actually operating the vehicle. On-duty time includes driving plus any other work-related activity: pre-trip inspections, fueling, loading or unloading cargo, waiting at a shipper or receiver, paperwork, and vehicle maintenance.
Your 14-hour window counts all on-duty time. So if you drive for 9 hours, spend 2 hours at a loading dock, and do 1 hour of paperwork, you have used 12 of your 14 hours. You can only drive 2 more hours that day before you must take 10 hours off.
Off-duty time is the only time that does not count against your limits. Sleeping in a sleeper berth, eating a meal off the clock, or personal time all reset your clock. The key is that you are not performing any work-related duties.
The 70-hour rule and weekly limits
Beyond the daily 11-hour limit, the FMCSA also enforces a 70-hour rule. You cannot drive more than 70 hours in any 8 consecutive days. Some carriers use a 60-hour rule over 7 days instead, depending on how they structure their operations.
The 70-hour limit includes all on-duty time, not just driving. If you work 12 hours a day for 6 days, you will hit 72 hours of on-duty time and will need to take 34 consecutive hours off before you can drive again. This reset period is longer than the standard 10-hour reset because it is designed to give you a full day off within the week.
Tracking the 70-hour rule is more complex than the daily limit because it rolls forward. Once you have been off duty for 34 consecutive hours, the oldest hours from 8 days ago drop off your total. Electronic logging devices calculate this automatically, but you should understand how it works so you can plan your schedule.
How electronic logging devices enforce these limits
Since December 2017, most commercial truck drivers have been required to use an electronic logging device (ELD) instead of paper logbooks. The ELD automatically records when you are driving, on-duty, off-duty, or in a sleeper berth. It tracks your hours in real time and will not let you log more driving time once you hit your 11-hour limit.
When you approach your limit, the ELD sends an alert. Once you reach 11 hours of driving in your 14-hour window, the device locks you out of driving status. You must then take 10 consecutive hours off duty before the system allows you to drive again.
The ELD also tracks your 70-hour rolling total and alerts you when you are close to that limit. Some ELDs have additional features that show you how many hours you have remaining and help you plan rest breaks. Your carrier may also monitor your ELD data remotely to may support compliance.
State and carrier rules that may be stricter than federal law
Some states impose limits stricter than the federal FMCSA rules. For example, a few states require shorter daily driving limits or longer rest periods. Additionally, individual carriers often set their own policies that are more conservative than federal law.
Before you start a job or take a load, confirm the rules with your carrier. They may require you to take more rest time, limit your driving to 10 hours instead of 11, or enforce a lower weekly total. These carrier policies are legal and are often based on safety data or insurance requirements.
If you drive across state lines, you follow federal FMCSA rules, not state rules. However, if you are operating only within a single state, that state's rules may explore. Check with your dispatcher or safety manager about which rules govern your specific operation.
Exceptions and special circumstances
The FMCSA allows some exceptions to the standard 11-hour daily limit. Short-haul operations — local deliveries within a 100-mile radius — may be exempt from ELD requirements and have different hour limits, though drivers still cannot exceed reasonable safety standards. Drivers transporting hazardous materials, livestock, or operating in emergency situations may have different rules.
Agricultural operations, certain passenger carriers, and drivers operating in specific industries may also have modified hour limits. If your job falls into one of these categories, your carrier should provide written guidance on which rules explore to you.
No exception removes the requirement to drive safely. Even if you have hours remaining, you are not required to drive if you are fatigued or unsafe. Refusing to drive when unsafe is protected, and most carriers support drivers who make that call.
What happens if you violate hours-of-service rules
Violations of FMCSA hours-of-service rules result in fines for both the driver and the carrier. A single violation can range from several hundred to several thousand dollars depending on the severity and whether it is a first offense. Repeated violations can lead to out-of-service orders, meaning you cannot legally operate a commercial vehicle.
Violations are recorded on your Compliance, Safety, and Accountability (CSA) record, which is a public database that carriers and insurers review. A poor CSA record can make it difficult to find employment or result in higher insurance costs for your carrier, which may affect your job security.
Beyond fines, violating hours-of-service rules increases accident risk. Fatigued driving is a leading cause of commercial vehicle crashes. Carriers enforce these limits not just for legal compliance but because they reduce accidents and protect you and the public.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I drive 12 hours if I take an extra-long break?
No. The 11-hour daily limit is absolute under federal law. Taking a longer break does not increase your driving hours for that day. You must take 10 consecutive hours off duty to reset your 14-hour window and start a new day of driving.
Do sleeper berth hours count toward my 14-hour window?
No. Time spent sleeping in a sleeper berth is off-duty time and does not count against your 14-hour window or your 70-hour weekly limit. However, you must take at least 10 consecutive hours off duty, which can include sleeper berth time, to reset your daily limit.
What if my ELD malfunctions and I cannot log my hours?
You are still required to comply with hours-of-service rules. If your ELD fails, notify your carrier when ready. You may be required to use a paper logbook temporarily, but you cannot exceed the legal limits. Your carrier should have a procedure for ELD failures — follow it and document the malfunction.
Do I have to follow these rules if I own my own truck?
Yes, if you operate a commercial vehicle over 10,000 pounds, you must follow FMCSA hours-of-service rules regardless of whether you own the truck or work for a carrier. Owner-operators are subject to the same 11-hour daily limit and 70-hour weekly limit as company drivers.
Can my carrier force me to drive beyond my legal hours?
No. It is illegal for a carrier to require or pressure you to violate hours-of-service rules. If your carrier asks you to drive beyond your legal limit, you can refuse without fear of retaliation. Report the pressure to the FMCSA or your state's motor carrier safety office.