Who this is for: CDL drivers, owner-operators, fleet managers, new CDL applicants
Hours of Service Basics for CDL Drivers — Property Carrier Rules
Federal hours of service (HOS) rules in 49 CFR Part 395 set limits on how long a CDL driver operating a property-carrying CMV may drive and remain on duty. The main limits are the 11-hour daily driving limit, the 14-hour on-duty window, a 30-minute break requirement, and a 60/70-hour weekly ceiling. This page covers the rules for property-carrying vehicles — passenger-carrier rules differ.
Important Notice
HOS rules are complex and have been revised multiple times. The summaries on this page reflect rules in effect as of 2026. Verify current rules at fmcsa.dot.gov and ecfr.gov before making compliance decisions. This is not legal advice.
11-hour driving limit
A property-carrying CMV driver may drive a maximum of 11 hours after coming off 10 consecutive hours off duty. Driving time is counted from the moment the vehicle is in motion. Once the driver has used 11 hours of driving time, they must go off duty (or into the sleeper berth) and take at least 10 consecutive hours off before driving again. The 11-hour limit resets after 10 consecutive hours off duty — not at midnight.
14-hour on-duty window
A driver may not drive a CMV after the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty — regardless of how much time was spent actually driving. This is a window, not an additional driving allowance. For example, a driver who comes on duty at 7:00 a.m. must stop driving by 9:00 p.m., even if they spent 3 of those hours on non-driving duties and only drove 8 hours. The 14-hour window does not pause for rest breaks. Once 14 hours have elapsed, the driver must go off duty for at least 10 consecutive hours before the window resets.
30-minute break requirement
Drivers may not drive more than 8 consecutive hours without taking at least a 30-minute non-driving break. The break must be taken before the 8th hour of driving expires. The break can be spent in any non-driving status — off duty, sleeper berth, or on duty not driving. Note: this rule was modified in the 2020 HOS rule update — verify the current break requirements at FMCSA, as the specific conditions (including split sleeper berth interactions) have been revised.
60/70-hour weekly limit
Drivers may not drive after accumulating 60 hours of on-duty time in 7 consecutive days (if the carrier does not operate vehicles 7 days a week) or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days (if the carrier operates every day). This limit counts all on-duty time, not just driving. Once a driver hits the weekly limit, they must go off duty until sufficient hours drop off the rolling window — or use the 34-hour restart to reset the counter.
34-hour restart provision
A driver who has reached or is approaching the weekly limit may use the 34-hour restart: taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty resets the 60/70-hour weekly counter, effectively starting a new 7- or 8-day period. The restart is optional — drivers are not required to use it. Under current rules (as of the 2020 revision), the restart does not require two 1–5 a.m. periods. Verify current restart conditions at fmcsa.dot.gov.
Sleeper berth provision
Drivers who have a sleeper berth in their vehicle may split their required 10 hours off duty into two periods — one of at least 7 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth and one of at least 2 consecutive hours (in the sleeper berth or off duty). Neither period counts against the 14-hour window. The sleeper berth provision is a complex area of HOS law — review 49 CFR §395.1(g) or FMCSA guidance for the full conditions.
What does not count as driving time
Time spent off duty, in the sleeper berth, or on duty performing non-driving work does not count toward the 11-hour driving limit. However, all time — driving and non-driving on-duty time — counts toward the 14-hour window. Loading, unloading, fueling, waiting at a shipper, and performing vehicle inspections are all on-duty time unless the driver is completely relieved of all duties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I extend the 14-hour window by taking a break?
No. The 14-hour window runs from the moment you come on duty and does not pause for breaks, meals, or non-driving time. The only way to reset the window is to take 10 consecutive hours off duty.
Do these rules apply to intrastate drivers?
These rules apply to interstate commerce operations. Intrastate drivers are subject to the HOS rules of their state. Many states adopt rules identical or similar to federal rules, but some states have different limits for intrastate operations. Check with your state's motor carrier enforcement agency.
Are HOS rules the same for passenger-carrying vehicles?
No. Passenger-carrying CMV drivers (buses, vans with 9 or more passengers) are subject to different HOS rules under 49 CFR §395.5. The property-carrier rules described on this page do not apply to passenger operations.
Where can I find the current official HOS rules?
The official rules are in 49 CFR Part 395, available at ecfr.gov. FMCSA publishes summaries and guidance at fmcsa.dot.gov/hours-service. HOS rules have been revised multiple times — always check the current version of the regulation.