US Hours of Service (Property Carriers)

FMCSA

US federalAwaiting academy review Last reviewed: not yet reviewed
This overview has not been confirmed as current by the academy. Treat it as background reading and check the official source before relying on it.

Property-carrying drivers have limits on driving time, the on-duty window, required breaks and weekly cycles.

Property-carrying drivers (FMCSA summary of 49 CFR Part 395): may drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty; may not drive beyond the 14th hour after coming on duty (off-duty time does not extend it); must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving (any non-driving period counts); may not drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 days, with an optional 34-hour restart. Sleeper berth: 7 hours in the berth plus at least 2 hours off duty, totalling 10, and neither period counts against the 14-hour window. Adverse driving conditions add up to 2 hours; the short-haul exception covers drivers within 150 air-miles who return within 14 hours.

2026 pilot programs (Flexible Sleeper Berth and Split Duty Period) are tests with selected drivers only — they do not change the rules for everyone.

Official source: FMCSA

Educational information only. Requirements can change. Verify current requirements with the applicable government authority or qualified professional before acting.

Related regulatory updates
  • US hours-of-service revisions (2020 final rule)
    Effective Sep 28, 2020
    Awaiting academy review Last reviewed: not yet reviewed
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