Quick Answer
FMCSA Hours of Service rules limit how long commercial drivers can drive and work. For property-carrying trucks in 2026: you can drive up to 11 hours within a 14-hour on-duty window after 10 consecutive hours off duty, must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving, and are capped at 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days, resettable with a 34-hour restart.
Key Takeaways
- The core HOS limits are unchanged since the 2020 Final Rule — no new limits took effect in 2026.
- The four pillars: 11-hour drive limit, 14-hour window, 30-minute break, 60/70-hour weekly cap.
- The 34-hour restart resets your weekly clock.
- ELDs enforce these limits automatically, which is why HOS violations dropped sharply after the mandate.
The 4 core Hours of Service limits (property-carrying CMVs)
1) The 11-hour driving limit
You may drive a maximum of 11 hours — but only after taking 10 consecutive hours off duty.
2) The 14-hour window
You cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty. The 14-hour clock does not stop for breaks, fuel, or loading — once it starts, it runs. Off-duty time inside the window still counts against it (with sleeper-berth exceptions).
3) The 30-minute break
After 8 cumulative hours of driving time, you must take a 30-minute break before driving again. It's tied to driving time, not clock time, and can be off-duty, sleeper berth, or on-duty-not-driving.
4) The 60/70-hour weekly limit
You can't be on duty more than 60 hours in 7 consecutive days, or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days — depending on whether your carrier operates every day of the week.
What is the 34-hour restart?
The 34-hour restart lets you reset your 60- or 70-hour weekly clock back to zero by taking at least 34 consecutive hours off duty. It's optional, but it's how drivers "start a fresh week" without waiting for hours to roll off day by day.
HOS rules quick reference
Rule | Limit | Resets after |
|---|---|---|
Driving limit | 11 hours | 10 hrs off duty |
On-duty window | 14 hours | 10 hrs off duty |
Break | 30 min | After 8 hrs driving |
Weekly (7-day) | 60 hours | 34-hr restart |
Weekly (8-day) | 70 hours | 34-hr restart |
Are there exceptions to the 14-hour rule?
Yes. The sleeper berth provision lets you split your required 10 hours off duty (for example, 7 hours in the berth plus 3 hours off duty) so that neither period counts against your 14-hour window — buying back usable drive time. The adverse driving conditions exception can extend both your driving time and window by up to 2 hours when unexpected conditions (like weather) slow you down. The short-haul exception frees drivers operating within a 150 air-mile radius who return to the same location within 14 hours.
See our sleeper berth rules guide for the splits in detail.
What happens if you violate HOS rules?
HOS violations are among the most-cited infractions at roadside inspections. They can trigger fines, an out-of-service order that parks you for hours, and points against your carrier's CSA safety score that can linger for up to 24 months. See our guide on ELD violations and penalties.
Educational content, not legal advice. Always confirm against current FMCSA regulations.
FAQ
Did the HOS rules change in 2026?
No. The core limits remain as set by the 2020 Final Rule. Enforcement and documentation practices tightened, but the 11/14/30-minute/60-70 framework is the same.
Do passenger carriers follow the same rules?
No — passenger-carrying drivers follow a slightly different ruleset (10-hour driving limit, 15-hour window, 60/70-hour weekly). This guide covers property-carrying CMVs.
Does the 30-minute break have to be a meal break?
No. The DOT doesn't define it as a meal period — it's a safety rest requirement. You just can't be driving during it.