How many hours can a truck driver drive per day?

A commercial truck driver transporting property can only drive 11 hours per day. However, they can have a driving shift of 14 hours which includes breaks and off duty time.

The Summary of Hours-of-Service Regulations provides:

• 11 Hour Rule. During any 14 consecutive-hour period you are only allowed to drive your truck a total of 11 total hours in a total 14 hour driving shift.
• 14 Hour Rule. The 14 Hour Rule. The 14-hour rule is a confusing rule allowing the truck driver to have a 14 hour shift but driving is limited to 11 hours. The other hours are breaks and off duty time.
• Driving Breaks. Drivers must take a 30-minute driving break after they have driven for 8 cumulative hours.
• Off Duty Time. The off-duty time can be a true rest break, or the driver can be waiting for a load to be loaded onto the trailer or taken off the trailer. Only true driving time counts for the rules.
• 60/70 Hour Limit. Truck drivers may not drive after 60/70 hours on duty in a 7/8-day period of driving. They must take a 34-hour consecutive break after hitting their limit.
• Adverse Driving Conditions. A truck driver can extend the 11-hour limit by and 14-hour limit for up to 2 hours in adverse driving conditions. However, they must reduce speed and when the conditions become sufficiently dangerous they must cease operations.
• Short Haul Exception. If a truck driver is on a short haul which means no farther than 150 air-mile radius from where they pick up their load they have an exception to the normal driving hours and logging their driving time.

The essence of these rules is meant to prevent driver fatigue which results in bodily injuries and death. If you have a truck crash and have been injured the Bull Attorneys can help you get financial compensation for your injuries and property damage or wage loss. Call for a free consultation on 316-684-4400.