Being a truck driver entails long working hours and a rather solitary environment. The position of a truck driver is most often attractive to introverted, motivated, and independent individuals. According to the most recent statistics, in 2020, there was a total of 3.36 million truck drivers in the States.
Most truck drivers in the US are almost exclusively on the road, and most do not possess insight into their rights and obligations as truck drivers. For instance, according to the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration), drivers must take a 30-minute break if driving for eight consecutive hours.
Continue reading this helpful blog on the Hours of Service (HOS) monitored by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and learn about the rules and regulations for truck drivers and where to turn for help.
What Does the HOS Entail?
The Hours of Service define the number of hours drivers are supposed to work daily and weekly. The HOS guidelines highlight the mandatory breaks drivers should take to ensure they are well-rested and can stay alert while driving.
Nowadays, monitoring the driver’s behavior is made possible (and easy) by using an ELD (Electronic Logging Device). The equipment is connected to the driver’s activity dashboard and monitors real-time data.
The DOT performs periodical updates and changes to the HOS regulations to keep up with the latest global trends. For example, due to the pandemic, the supply chain has succumbed to alterations, affecting the usual HOS for truck drivers.
Key Aspects of the HOS
The Hours of Service mainly revolve around several cornerstones drivers should keep in mind. From taking mandatory breaks to avoiding unfavorable driving conditions, every driver should know the most important key aspects of the HOS regulations.
The 11-Hour Rule
The 11-hour rule demands drivers carrying property items to take ten consecutive hours off duty before driving for a max of 11 hours.
On the other hand, drivers that carry passengers are allowed to drive up to ten hours after they’ve taken eight consecutive hours off duty.
The 14-Hour Rule
A property-driving driver may drive for 14 hours if they’ve taken ten hours off duty, uninterrupted. Drivers carrying passengers are allowed to drive up to 15 consecutive hours.
The 30-Minute Break Rule
This half-an-hour break is meant for drivers on the road for at least eight hours. During the break, drivers are not allowed to operate the vehicle.
The 60/70-Hour Limit
If a driver has been on the road for up to 60 hours during seven consecutive days, they are not allowed to exceed the 60-hour limit if not obligated to operate every day. On the other hand, drivers that do work every day are not to surpass 70 hours on the road in eight successive days.
Drivers can continue driving if they take no less than 34 consecutive hours off duty.
Understanding the HOS: Where to Turn To?
Everyone driving a commercial motor vehicle is obligated to follow the HOS rules. Should you need help with understanding the requirements or need further explanation of the terms and regulations, feel free to contact the team of professionals at Truck Driver Rights and get a free consultation regarding your driving issue.