How Many Hours Can a Truck Driver Legally Drive in the U.S.? (2025 FMCSA HOS Guide)
How Many Hours Can a Truck Driver Legally Work In 2025, Class A CDL drivers in the United States must follow strict Hours of Service (HOS) rules established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations are designed to prevent fatigue, improve road safety, and ensure drivers have adequate rest.
Whether you’re a new driver or a fleet operator, understanding the current FMCSA rules is essential for staying compliant.
1. 11-Hour Driving Limit
Drivers may operate a commercial motor vehicle for up to 11 hours after taking 10 consecutive hours off duty.
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Only actual driving time counts toward this limit.
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Any additional work, like loading/unloading, does not extend this window.
2. 14-Hour On-Duty Limit
After coming on duty following 10 hours off, drivers have a 14-hour window to complete all work, including:
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Driving
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Inspections
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Loading/unloading
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Fuel stops
Important:
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The 14-hour clock cannot be paused, even with breaks.
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Once the 14 hours are up, drivers must stop driving—even if they haven’t driven the full 11 hours.
3. 30-Minute Break Requirement
After 8 cumulative hours of driving, drivers are required to take a 30-minute break.
Break options include:
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Off-duty
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Sleeper berth
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On-duty but not driving (e.g., waiting at a dock)
4. 60/70-Hour Rule (Weekly Limits)
Drivers must also follow weekly on-duty limits:
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60 hours in 7 consecutive days, or
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70 hours in 8 consecutive days, depending on the carrier’s operations.
🕒 Resetting the Clock:
Drivers can reset their 7/8-day clock by taking 34 consecutive hours off duty, known as the 34-hour restart.
5. Sleeper Berth Provision
Drivers may split their 10-hour required off-duty time using the sleeper berth rule:
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One period must be at least 8 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth.
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The other period must be at least 2 hours (off-duty or in the sleeper berth).
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Combined, both must equal 10 hours, and do not count against the 14-hour clock.
6. What Counts as Off-Duty Time?
Off-duty time includes any time the driver is:
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Not driving
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Not performing any work-related duties
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Free to use time as they wish
This time is essential for resetting drive and duty clocks.
7. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
As of 2025, all applicable carriers and drivers must use ELDs to record HOS data.
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Replaces most paper logs
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Tracks driving time automatically
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Helps prevent accidental HOS violations
8. Violations and Penalties
HOS violations can result in:
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Fines for drivers and carriers
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Out-of-service orders
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CSA score reductions
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Increased insurance costs
🚫 Common Violations:
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Exceeding the 11-hour or 14-hour limits
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Failing to take a 30-minute break
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Not using an ELD correctly
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Driving during required off-duty periods
Why HOS Compliance Matters in 2025
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Reduces fatigue-related crashes
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Protects drivers, freight, and public safety
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Ensures DOT compliance during audits
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Supports better driver health and performance
Conclusion
For 2025, HOS rules remain a foundational part of FMCSA safety standards for CDL-A drivers. By understanding these limits—especially the 11-hour, 14-hour, 30-minute, and 60/70-hour rules—drivers can stay safe, compliant, and productive.
📲 Make sure your Electronic Logging Device (ELD) is up-to-date and that you’re trained on the latest HOS requirements.
