HOS (Hours of Service)
FMCSA regulations limiting how long drivers can operate commercial vehicles.
Definition
Hours of Service regulations are federal rules that limit the number of hours a commercial driver can operate a vehicle. Key rules include: 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off-duty, 14-hour on-duty window, 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving, and 60/70-hour weekly limits. These rules aim to prevent fatigue-related accidents.
Why it matters to you
Hours of Service shapes every working day you will have. The clocks decide when you can roll, when you must break and when a load is physically impossible to cover legally. Drivers who plan around the 14-hour window rather than fighting it get more miles, not fewer. Violations follow you into the carrier's safety record and your own PSP report, which is what your next employer reads.
FAQ
What does HOS (Hours of Service) mean?
FMCSA regulations limiting how long drivers can operate commercial vehicles.
Why does HOS (Hours of Service) matter to a driver?
Hours of Service shapes every working day you will have. The clocks decide when you can roll, when you must break and when a load is physically impossible to cover legally. Drivers who plan around the 14-hour window rather than fighting it get more miles, not fewer. Violations follow you into the carrier's safety record and your own PSP report, which is what your next employer reads.
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Related Terms
ELD (Electronic Logging Device)
A device that electronically records driving time and Hours of Service.
FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration)
The federal agency that regulates the trucking industry.
34-Hour Restart
A provision allowing drivers to reset their weekly HOS clock by taking 34 consecutive hours off.