How Many Hours Can a Truck Driver Drive

by Contributor

(Aug. 1, 2021) — Many truck drivers spend a lot of time at the wheel. There are several reasons for this, but the most popular is the desire to earn more money and the opportunity to enjoy early success. Generally, some drivers refuse to work overtime and normalize their schedule only after the truck dispatching company explains how many hours an employee can drive a truck. 

Rules and Regulations 

People are governed by Hours of Service Regulations so as not to expose to risks driver’s health, truck, and cargo safety. According to the rules of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, drivers can drive a truck no more than 11 hrs a day. A critical lack of sleep (14 hrs) can be as dangerous on the road as drunk driving. The most common symptoms of this condition are:

• impaired decision-making 
• bad reactions;
• tunnel vision. 

Working Hours Per Day Limits 

The official hourly limit is 11 hours, but there is also permission to drive the truck for 14 hrs, but with a break after 10 hrs of continuous driving. You can take a one-hour nap or stop for a meal. 

Working Hours Per Week Limits 

Many drivers want to work more hours to get a bigger trucking invoice. But if we consider the week, then the limit of working time should not exceed 60 hours. After such a period, you will need a good rest – 24 hrs. 

Who Must Follow These Rules? 

FMCSA regulations apply to private and commercial trucks that must meet certain weight or cargo requirements. The vehicle (with or without a trailer) must weigh 10,001 pounds or more, including the tonnage of the load. 

To comply with federal regulations, the driver must complete a logbook where he indicates a detailed driving plan in 24 hrs. Factoring for trucking rules checks such records and may impose fines if the information is incomplete.