Truck Driver Hours of Service Rules
Commercial truck drivers play a critical role in transporting goods across the country, but the demands of the job can lead to fatigue and unsafe driving conditions. To combat these risks, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. These rules are designed to limit how long truck drivers can operate without rest, reducing the likelihood of accidents caused by drowsy or overworked drivers. However, the liberal rules allow for plenty of long hours beyond what most of us would consider safe, and to make matters worse, many truckers regularly flout the rules and drive longer than they should.
Read on to learn more about Hours of Service under the FMCSA rules. If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Orange County or the Hudson Valley, contact Dupée & Monroe, P.C., to speak with a skilled and experienced Goshen truck accident lawyer.
What Are Hours of Service Rules?
HOS rules establish limits on the amount of time commercial truck drivers can spend behind the wheel and require mandatory rest breaks. These rules apply to most drivers of large commercial vehicles, including those weighing over 10,001 pounds or carrying hazardous materials.
Here are the key provisions of the FMCSA HOS regulations:
- 11-Hour Driving Limit
- Truck drivers may drive for a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. This limit can be extended by up to two hours when “adverse driving conditions” are encountered.
- 14-Hour On-Duty Limit
- Drivers cannot drive after being on duty for 14 consecutive hours, even if they have not driven for the full 11 hours. The 14-hour clock starts when the driver begins their workday. This limit can be extended by up to two hours when “adverse driving conditions” are encountered.
- 30-Minute Rest Break
- Drivers must take a 30-minute break after eight cumulative hours of driving without at least a 30-minute interruption.
- 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit
- Drivers are limited to 60 hours on duty over seven consecutive days or 70 hours over eight consecutive days, depending on their employer’s schedule.
- Sleeper Berth Provision
- Drivers using a sleeper berth can split their required 10 hours off duty into two periods, provided one is at least two hours long, and the other is at least seven consecutive hours in the sleeper berth.
Why Are HOS Rules Important?
Fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents, and studies show that drowsy driving impairs reaction times and decision-making skills, much like alcohol impairment. By requiring rest periods, HOS regulations aim to prevent drivers from pushing themselves beyond safe limits.
Unfortunately, some trucking companies and drivers ignore these rules to meet tight delivery schedules. Violations of HOS regulations not only endanger other road users but can also play a significant role in determining liability in truck accident cases.
How Are HOS Rules Enforced?
Truck drivers and trucking companies must maintain detailed records of driving hours and rest breaks. These are often recorded using Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs), which automatically track driving time and on-duty periods.
When accidents occur, these records can be critical in investigating whether HOS violations contributed to the crash. Evidence such as falsified logs or discrepancies between ELD data and other records may indicate negligence or misconduct on the part of the driver or trucking company.
Truck Accidents and HOS Violations
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, HOS violations may be a factor in determining liability. A thorough investigation by an experienced personal injury attorney can uncover evidence of negligence, such as:
- ELD or logbook records showing excessive driving hours
- Witness statements about driver fatigue
- Maintenance records indicating a history of non-compliance with safety regulations
By holding truck drivers and their employers accountable, victims of truck accidents may recover compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
How Dupée & Monroe, P.C. Can Help
At Dupée & Monroe, P.C., we understand the devastating impact truck accidents can have on individuals and families. Our experienced personal injury attorneys have the knowledge and resources to investigate complex truck accident cases, including HOS violations.
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Orange County or the Hudson Valley, we are here to help. We will work tirelessly to identify the liable parties and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Contact us today at 845-294-8900 for a free consultation to discuss your case. Let us help you navigate the legal process while you focus on your recovery.
