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Hours of Service FAQ Options
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) defines driving time as the time spent at the driving controls operating a commercial motor vehicle.
On-duty time encompasses all the time a driver begins to work or is required to be ready to work until the driver is relieved from work and all responsibility for performing work. It includes driving time, inspection time, loading and unloading time, etc.
Yes. A driver may remain on duty for more than 14 consecutive hours. However, the driver is prohibited from driving a CMV after the 14th hour. The total time accumulated will reduce available time under the 60-/70-hour rule.
Yes. Drivers and motor carriers who violate Hours of Service rules face serious penalties, up to and including out-of-service orders, fines, civil penalties and even criminal charges.
Yes. Any time a driver spends 34 hours off-duty the 60/70 hour calculation will restart.
A driver may exceed the 10- or 11-hour driving limit by no more than two hours due to adverse weather conditions. However, the adverse weather exception doesn’t allow a driver to exceed the 14- or 15-hour daily limit or the 60- or 70-hour weekly limit. In order to use an adverse weather exemption, the driver must be involved in a trip that could normally have been completed without an HOS violation and that the adverse driving conditions developed after the driver began the trip.
Yes. Certain regulations, including Hours of Service rules, may be temporarily waived for motor carriers and drivers participating in an emergency relief effort. Emergency declarations may be issued by the President, governors of state or FMCSA.
Only drivers and motor carriers who are providing direct emergency relief to, from or within the areas covered by the emergency declarations are temporarily exempt from 49 CFR Part 390-399 requirements. Before providing assistance, individuals and companies should coordinate with state and Federal officials.
Per 49 CFR 390.23 of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), certain safety regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399) are temporarily lifted for those participating in relief efforts. In addition to the Part 395 Hours of Service rules, these regulations cover:
The Federal exemptions during a declared emergency do not apply to CDL, drug and alcohol testing, registration and tax requirements.
Yes, the regulations allow you to use an automatic on-board recording device.