What are Hours of Service (HOS) regulations?

Hours of Service (HOS) regulations are rules established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to govern the working hours of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers.

• Limit driving hours: Prevent drivers from operating vehicles for excessive periods.

• Mandate rest periods: Ensure drivers take adequate breaks to avoid fatigue.

• Enhance road safety: Reduce accidents caused by drowsy or overworked drivers.

Key HOS rules include:

• A maximum of 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty.

• A 14-hour workday limit, including driving and other on-duty tasks.

• Mandatory 30-minute breaks after 8 hours of driving.

• Weekly driving caps of 60 hours over 7 days or 70 hours over 8 days, depending on operations.

These regulations apply to most CMV operators in the United States engaged in interstate commerce.