How Many Hours Can a Truck Driver Drive?

November 1, 2024 | Sagi Shaked | Personal Injury

Truck drivers play a crucial role in transporting goods across the country. However, long hours on the road can lead to fatigue, increasing the risk of accidents. To promote safety, federal and state laws regulate how many hours a truck driver can drive. Having an understanding of these hours of service regulations is important for both drivers and other motorists on the road.

Federal Hours of Service Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the hours of service rules for commercial truck drivers operating across state lines. Key federal regulations include:

11-hour driving limit: After ten consecutive hours off duty, a driver is allowed to drive up to 11 hours.
14-hour on-duty limit: A driver cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 hours off duty. Off-duty time does not extend this 14-hour period.
30-minute break requirement: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after eight cumulative hours of driving time without at least a 30-minute interruption.
60/70-hour limit: Drivers cannot drive after accumulating 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days. The driver can reset this cycle by taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty.

These rules are designed to prevent driver fatigue and ensure that truck drivers have adequate rest.

Florida’s Hours of Service Regulations

In addition to federal regulations, Florida has its own rules for intrastate commercial truck drivers—those operating solely within the state. Florida’s regulations are similar but have some differences:

12-hour driving limit: Drivers may not drive more than 12 hours following ten consecutive hours off duty.
16-hour on-duty limit: A driver cannot drive after being on duty for 16 hours following ten consecutive hours off duty.
70-hour limit: Drivers cannot drive after being on duty more than 70 hours in 7 consecutive days.

Florida’s regulations allow for slightly longer driving and on-duty periods compared to federal rules for interstate drivers. However, the emphasis remains on preventing fatigue-related accidents.

Why Are Hours of Service Regulations Important?

Fatigue can impair a driver’s reaction time, judgment, and ability to stay alert, similar to the effects of alcohol. Hours of service regulations aim to:

Enhance road safety: By limiting driving hours, the risk of accidents due to drowsy driving decreases.
Protect drivers: Ensuring drivers have adequate rest helps maintain their health and well-being.
Promote compliance: Regulations encourage trucking companies to schedule deliveries responsibly.

Violating these regulations can result in penalties for both the driver and the carrier, including fines and out-of-service orders.

What Happens if Regulations Are Violated?

If a truck driver exceeds the allowed driving hours, they and their employer can face serious consequences:

Legal penalties: Fines and sanctions from the FMCSA or state authorities.
Liability in accidents: If a fatigued driver causes an accident, they and their employer may be held liable for damages.
Criminal charges: In cases involving severe injuries or fatalities, criminal charges may be filed.

A lawyer can help you evaluate your legal rights and options in this scenario.

What Should You Do If You’re Involved in an Accident with a Truck Driver?

If you’re involved in an accident with a truck driver, especially if you suspect driver fatigue:

Call 911: Report the accident and seek medical attention immediately.
Document the scene: If safe to do so, take photos of the vehicles, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
Collect information: Obtain the truck driver’s name, employer, and insurance details.
Avoid admitting fault: Do not apologize or admit fault at the scene.
Seek legal advice: Consider consulting an attorney experienced in truck accidents to understand your rights.

An attorney can help investigate your accident and help you recover compensation.

Contact Our Truck Accident Law Firm in Miami, FL

If you have questions about limitations on the hours truck drivers can drive, or if you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Miami, FL, and need legal help, contact our Miami truck accident lawyers at Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation.

Shaked Law Personal Injury Lawyers
20900 NE 30th Ave Suite 715
Aventura, FL 33180
(786) 686-1238