Why Truck Driver Fatigue Rules Exist and How HOS Regulations Keep Roads Safe

Every day, thousands of commercial trucks travel across highways and interstates, transporting goods that keep businesses running and store shelves stocked. Behind the wheel of each truck is a professional driver, navigating long distances and facing time constraints, traffic conditions, and physical fatigue.

To help keep roads safe for everyone—truck drivers and everyday drivers alike—regulations exist to limit how long commercial drivers can operate without rest. These are called Hours of Service (HOS) rules. They’re enforced at the federal level, and while they might seem like red tape to some, their purpose is rooted in one clear objective: preventing accidents caused by driver fatigue.

This article explains what Hours of Service regulations are, why they exist, how they’re enforced, and the real-world impact they have on road safety and trucking operations.

What Are Hours of Service (HOS) Rules?

Hours of Service regulations are issued by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation. These rules apply to commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers, which typically include truck drivers operating vehicles that weigh over 10,000 pounds or carry certain types of freight, including hazardous materials.

The core of the HOS framework focuses on three major areas:

• How long a driver can be on duty in a single day
• How many hours a driver can spend actively driving
• Required rest breaks and off-duty periods

A detailed overview of the current rules and requirements can be found here: Hours of Service

The intention behind these rules is straightforward: if drivers are well-rested, they are more likely to make safe decisions and stay alert on the road.

What Are the Key Components of HOS?

While there are exceptions and nuances depending on the type of vehicle and operation, most long-haul drivers must comply with the following basic rules:

1. 11-Hour Driving Limit

After taking 10 consecutive hours off duty, a driver may drive for up to 11 total hours. This does not mean 11 hours straight—it must still occur within a regulated window, explained below.

2. 14-Hour Window

Once a driver comes on duty (i.e., begins any work-related activity), they have a 14-hour window in which they can drive, perform duties, and rest. At the end of this window, driving is no longer permitted, even if the driver hasn’t hit the 11-hour driving limit.

3. 30-Minute Break Requirement

If a driver has been on the road for 8 consecutive hours without a 30-minute break, they must stop and rest for at least 30 minutes before resuming driving. This break can include off-duty time or on-duty non-driving tasks.

4. 60/70-Hour Limit

This rule governs the number of hours a driver can be on duty across several days. Drivers may not be on duty for more than 60 hours over a 7-day period, or 70 hours over an 8-day period, depending on the employer’s schedule. A 34-hour rest period can reset this cycle.

These rules are based on scientific studies and industry data that tie prolonged working hours to slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and greater accident risk.

Why Were HOS Rules Created?

The trucking industry is essential to the economy, but it's also demanding and often isolating. Many truckers face pressure to cover long distances in short timeframes, especially when transporting time-sensitive or perishable goods.

HOS rules aim to reduce fatigue-related incidents, which remain a leading cause of large truck crashes. According to the FMCSA, driver fatigue is a contributing factor in roughly 13% of commercial motor vehicle crashes. While that may sound small, it translates to thousands of preventable incidents every year.

Additionally, fatigue doesn’t always manifest as full-on drowsiness. It can appear as slower decision-making, lapses in attention, or microsleeps that last only a few seconds—but those few seconds can make the difference between a close call and a fatal crash.

How Are These Rules Enforced?

For many years, drivers tracked their hours using paper logs, which were easy to manipulate. In December 2017, a federal rule began requiring the use of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) for most drivers. These devices automatically record driving time and ensure greater accuracy and accountability.

Enforcement can happen through:

Roadside inspections, where law enforcement officers review ELD data

Audits by the Department of Transportation (DOT)

Company oversight, where fleet managers monitor driver activity in real-time

Penalties for violating HOS rules range from citations and fines to temporary shutdowns for carriers, depending on the severity and frequency of the offense.

Real-Life Impact: For Drivers and the Public

To understand the broader significance of HOS rules, it helps to look beyond the industry. Consider a person driving their personal vehicle across town. That person may not think about the long-haul truck beside them on the highway, but that truck might have been on the road for hundreds of miles—and whether the driver is alert or exhausted can directly affect everyone around them.

Fatigue can blur reaction times just like alcohol. Some studies even suggest that being awake for 18 hours straight impairs a person’s performance as much as a blood alcohol level of 0.05%.

This highlights why HOS rules aren’t just about compliance—they are a matter of public safety.

Exceptions to the Rules

There are some exceptions and exemptions built into the HOS regulations to allow flexibility where it makes sense:

Short-haul exemption: Drivers who operate within a 150 air-mile radius and return to the same location each day may be exempt from logging detailed HOS data.

Adverse driving conditions: Drivers can extend their driving time by up to 2 hours when encountering unexpected delays due to weather or traffic.

While these exceptions exist, they come with specific conditions and documentation requirements to prevent abuse.

Misconceptions and Gray Areas

Some drivers—and even fleet managers—may misinterpret or misunderstand parts of HOS regulations. One common misconception is that rest breaks must always be taken off-duty. In reality, drivers can count certain on-duty activities (such as loading or inspections) toward the required break, as long as they’re not driving.

Another area of confusion is whether HOS applies in all driving situations. For instance, someone might ask: “What if I’m just moving a vehicle for repairs or delivery?” In most cases, if you're operating a CMV for commercial purposes, HOS rules still apply.

For a more general question, like whether someone can own or buy a vehicle without even having a license, this article offers helpful insight: Can You Buy a Car Without a License?

The Role of Companies and Fleet Managers

While drivers are the ones responsible for logging hours and staying compliant, companies play a significant role. Unrealistic delivery expectations, poor route planning, or failure to enforce safety culture can lead to dangerous situations.

Companies should:

• Train drivers on HOS rules and how to use ELDs
• Encourage drivers to report fatigue without fear of discipline
• Avoid pushing schedules that incentivize unsafe driving behavior

Supporting drivers’ health and compliance isn’t just ethical—it reduces turnover, improves delivery reliability, and minimizes legal liability.

In Summary

Hours of Service rules exist to set clear boundaries around how long commercial truck drivers can work. These boundaries aren’t arbitrary—they’re based on research about fatigue and its impact on driver safety.

The HOS framework may not be perfect, and many drivers feel the tension between staying on schedule and staying compliant. But the goal is simple: to reduce the number of preventable crashes caused by overworked, exhausted drivers.

Understanding and following these rules is essential—not only for the safety of truckers but for everyone sharing the road. If you're interested in a full breakdown of HOS regulations and how they affect day-to-day trucking operations, you can find more details here: Hours of Service.