Truck Accidents and Hours-of-Service Rules: What They Mean

Key takeaways

Federal hours-of-service rules limit how long most commercial truck drivers can drive and stay on duty.
For property-carrying drivers the core limits are 11 hours of driving after 10 hours off duty, a 14-hour on-duty window, a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving, and 60 or 70 hours in 7 or 8 days.
After a crash, driver logs and electronic records can show whether those rules were followed.
More than one party may be responsible, including the driver, the trucking company and others, depending on the facts.
Evidence in truck cases can disappear fast, so documenting the scene and seeking advice early matters.

A crash involving a large truck is different from a typical car accident. Trucks are heavy, they take longer to stop and the injuries can be severe. They are also regulated by federal rules that set how long drivers may work. When a driver is tired, safety suffers, which is why these rules exist.

This guide explains the main hours-of-service limits in plain English and why records about them can matter after a crash. It is educational and not legal advice, and it focuses on general property-carrying (freight) trucks, not buses.

What the hours-of-service rules say

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the limits for commercial drivers. For most drivers who carry property, the main rules are:

11-hour driving limit. A driver may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
14-hour window. Driving is allowed only within 14 consecutive hours after coming on duty. Off-duty time does not extend that window.
30-minute break. A break of at least 30 minutes is required once a driver has driven 8 cumulative hours without a 30-minute interruption.
60/70-hour limit. A driver may not drive after 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days, or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days, depending on the carrier. A restart with at least 34 consecutive hours off duty resets the clock.
Adverse driving conditions. Drivers may extend the driving limit and the window by up to two hours for unexpected bad weather or road conditions.

Passenger-carrying drivers have somewhat different limits, and some short-haul and other exceptions exist, so the exact rule can depend on the type of operation.

Why this matters after a crash

When a truck crash happens, one question is whether the driver was fatigued or working beyond the legal limits. Drivers are generally required to record their duty status, and most use electronic logging devices that record driving time. Records such as these, together with dispatch messages, fuel and toll receipts, and loading times, can help show how long a driver had been working.

A violation of a safety rule does not automatically decide a case, but it can be important evidence about whether reasonable care was used.

Who may be responsible?

Depending on the facts, more than one party can be involved in a truck crash claim:

the driver;
the trucking company or carrier that employed or dispatched the driver;
a company responsible for loading the cargo or for maintenance;
a manufacturer if a defective part played a role;
other drivers or a government body responsible for road conditions.

Insurance for commercial carriers is often more complex than for private vehicles, and several insurers may be involved.

Evidence that can disappear quickly

Trucking companies keep some records only for limited periods, and electronic data can be overwritten. After a crash, anything you can safely document is helpful: photos of the scene, the truck's markings and plate numbers, skid marks, road conditions, witness details and your own medical records. Legal professionals can send formal requests to preserve records, which is one reason many people speak with a licensed attorney early.

Deadlines apply Filing deadlines vary by state and can be shorter if a government vehicle or agency is involved. See our guide on filing deadlines and the deadline finder.

Frequently asked questions

How many hours can a truck driver legally drive?

For most property-carrying drivers, up to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty, within a 14-hour window, with a break after 8 hours of driving. Exceptions and extensions can apply.

Does breaking an hours-of-service rule mean the company is automatically liable?

No. A violation can be strong evidence, but responsibility depends on the full facts and state law.

Are these rules the same for buses?

No. Passenger-carrying drivers have different limits.

Can I get a truck driver's logs after a crash?

Logs and electronic data are usually obtained through formal legal requests, not informally. Prompt preservation requests help because records may be kept only for a limited time.

Sources and references

Summary of Hours of Service Regulations, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (fmcsa.dot.gov)
Your state's official sources: the state legislature's online statutes, your state court system's self-help pages, and your state insurance department.

This article is educational and is not legal advice. We are not a law firm and do not refer or recommend lawyers. Laws differ by state and change over time. Read our Legal Disclaimer and Editorial Policy.