The Department of Transportation (DOT) Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), are crucial for ensuring road safety by preventing accidents caused by driver fatigue. These regulations are applicable to most drivers operating commercial motor vehicles (CMVs). In this article, we will provide a comprehensive overview of the key DOT HOS rules and their implications for trucking in 2021.

Defining a CMV:
A CMV includes vehicles that meet any of the following criteria:

Weighs 10,001 pounds or more (including load).
Has a gross weight rating/gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more.
Is transporting hazardous materials requiring placards.
Understanding Log Terminology:
A driver's log is divided into four basic statuses:

On-Duty: This includes any work-related activities such as loading, unloading, vehicle inspection, paperwork, and yard movements.
Off-Duty: This is when a driver is free from work-related duties, including personal use of the CMV (Personal Conveyance).
Driving: This is the time spent actively operating the vehicle.
Sleeper-Berth: If a truck has a sleeper-berth meeting safety requirements, a driver can use it for off-duty time, with a recommended consecutive 10-hour off-duty period to reset the 14-hour driving window.
HOS Limits:

14-Hour Driving Window: This window begins when a driver starts work and includes driving and on-duty time. It cannot exceed 14 consecutive hours after reporting to duty.

10 Hours Consecutive Off Duty to Reset Driving Window: To restart the 14-hour Driving Window, a driver must be off-duty (or in the sleeper berth) for a consecutive 10-hour period. No on-duty or driving activities are allowed within this time.

11-Hour Driving Limit: During the 14-hour driving window, a driver can drive a maximum of 11 hours. After reaching this limit, a driver must have 10 consecutive hours off-duty to reset the 14-hour window.

30-Minute Rest Break: After 8 consecutive hours of driving, a driver must take a 30-minute off-duty break. This break is considered off-duty and is essential to ensure compliance with the 11-hour driving limit. Note that this provision doesn't apply to short-haul drivers.

60/7 and 70/8 Duty Limit: A driver's total driving and on-duty time must not exceed 70 hours in 8 consecutive days. This limit resets after a 34-hour off-duty period. Alternatively, a variation allows a 60-hour limit in 7 days, at the discretion of the fleet.

Duty Reset: After 34 or more consecutive hours off-duty, a driver can reset their 60-hour/70-hour clock to zero.
Exceptions:
Adverse Driving Conditions: In unexpected adverse driving conditions, drivers can extend their driving time by 2 hours (from 11 to 13 hours), provided it doesn't extend the 14-hour window. This exception doesn't exempt drivers from the 30-minute break.

Non-CDL Short-Haul Exception: Drivers within 150 air-miles of their reporting location, driving a commercial vehicle not requiring a CDL, can extend the 14-hour window to 16 hours on certain days. They are also exempt from logbooks and the 30-minute break, but must follow specific driving limits.

16-Hour Short-Haul Exception: This allows a 16-hour driving window once every 7 consecutive days under certain conditions. Drivers must adhere to specific requirements.

Conclusion:
Understanding and complying with DOT Hours of Service regulations is essential for trucking safety and regulatory compliance. Many Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) assist drivers in tracking and adhering to these rules. Stay informed about any rule changes and exceptions to ensure safe and efficient trucking operations.

For more information on the latest updates to HOS rules, please visit "FMCSA Final Hours of Service Rules Increases Flexibility," and for additional insights, read our article on "Personal Conveyance and Yard Moves.