How Many Hours Can a Truck Driver Drive?
Truck drivers spend long hours on the road moving goods across the country. However, driving for too long can cause fatigue and lead to serious crashes. To keep roads safe, federal laws limit how many hours truck drivers can work and drive. These rules help protect truck drivers and other people on the road.
When drivers break these rules, they may put others at risk. If you were hurt in a truck crash in Dallas, Texas, you may have the right to seek money for your injuries. The Dallas truck accident attorneys at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers can help you understand your rights and options.
Federal Hours of Service Rules for Truck Drivers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets rules for how long most commercial truck drivers can drive. These are called hours of service (HOS) rules. The rules are meant to prevent tired drivers from causing crashes. They also require drivers to take breaks and get enough rest between shifts.
Most truck drivers who carry goods must follow these limits:
- 11-hour driving limit after 10 hours off duty.
- 14-hour work window after coming on duty.
- 30-minute break after eight hours of driving.
- 60- or 70-hour work limit over seven or eight days.
These rules apply to most drivers who operate large commercial trucks across state lines.
The 11-Hour Driving Limit
Most truck drivers can drive for up to 11 hours after taking at least 10 straight hours off duty. For example, a driver who starts work at 6 a.m. cannot drive more than 11 hours during that shift. The driver must also follow the 14-hour work window.
The 11-hour limit counts driving time, not all work hours. Time spent loading goods or checking the truck may count as work but not driving. Drivers who go over this limit may face fines and other penalties. They may also put others in danger.
Truck drivers must also follow a 14-hour work window. This means they cannot drive after 14 straight hours have passed since they started work. For example, a driver who begins working at 7 a.m. must stop driving by 9 p.m.
This limit includes time spent driving, loading trucks, and taking most breaks. Taking a short break usually does not extend the 14-hour window. Drivers who ignore these rules may become tired and have trouble staying focused on the road.
Required Breaks and Weekly Driving Limits
Truck drivers must take breaks to help prevent fatigue. Most drivers must stop driving for at least 30 minutes after eight hours of driving without a qualifying break.
Federal rules also limit how many hours drivers can work each week. Under 49 CFR § 395.3, drivers generally cannot drive after working 60 hours in seven days or 70 hours in eight days. The limit depends on their employer’s schedule. Drivers can restart their weekly hours after taking at least 34 straight hours off duty.
These limits help drivers get enough rest before returning to the road.
How Can You Prove a Truck Driver Violated FMCSA Rules?
Proving that a truck driver broke federal driving rules can help support an injury claim. Many commercial trucks have electronic logging devices that track driving hours. These records may show whether a driver went over the legal limit. Other useful evidence may include delivery records, work schedules, witness statements, and crash reports.
A truck accident lawyer can review these records to find signs of unsafe driving. Acting quickly is important because some records may be lost or deleted over time. An attorney can also look into whether the trucking company knew about unsafe driving practices.
Contact the Dallas Truck Accident Attorneys at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers for Help Today
If you were hurt in a truck accident in Dallas, Texas, you do not have to face the legal process alone. The Dallas truck accident lawyers at Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers can review your case and help determine who may be responsible. You may be able to seek money for medical bills, lost wages, pain, and other losses.
Our team can help gather evidence, deal with insurance companies, and fight for fair payment. Contact Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers today to discuss your case during a free consultation and learn about your legal options.
We proudly serve in Dallas County and its surrounding areas:
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About the Author
Jeff BentonJeff Benton is the founder of Benton Accident & Injury Lawyers in Dallas. He represents clients in claims involving truck accidents, car accidents, wrongful death, workplace accidents, and other forms of negligence. Jeff is known for taking on difficult cases that other firms decline and for fighting aggressively against powerful insurance companies and corporate defendants. He was honored with the Dallas Trial Lawyers Association’s John Howie Award for his pursuit of justice and remains committed to helping injured individuals and families throughout Texas. Click here to see some of his notable case results.
