Harlene Labrum | January 31, 2025 | Truck Accidents
How Many Hours Can a Truck Driver Drive?
Truck drivers play a vital role in transporting goods, but fatigue from long hours behind the wheel can lead to serious accidents. To keep roads safe, federal hours of service (HOS) regulations limit how long truckers can work each day and week. These rules aim to prevent accidents caused by drowsy driving and are strictly enforced in Tennessee and across the country.
Federal Hours of Service Rules For Truck Drivers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the following HOS limits:
- 11-hour driving limit: Drivers can operate their trucks for a maximum of 11 hours after taking at least 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- 14-hour workday limit: Drivers cannot work more than 14 consecutive hours after coming on duty. This includes non-driving tasks, such as loading and unloading and paperwork.
- 30-minute break: After driving for eight consecutive hours, truckers must take at least a 30-minute break.
- 60/70-hour weekly limit: Drivers are limited to 60 hours of driving over seven days or 70 hours over eight days. They can reset this clock by taking 34 consecutive hours off duty.
These rules are designed to ensure that drivers are alert and capable of safely operating their vehicles, reducing the risk of accidents caused by fatigue.
Why These Rules Matter
Fatigue is a major factor in many truck accidents. By limiting driving hours, the HOS rules protect not just truck drivers but everyone on the road. These regulations help ensure that drivers are well-rested and focused, reducing the risk of crashes caused by drowsy driving.
Exceptions To the HOS Rules
Some situations allow truckers to exceed the standard limits, such as:
- Adverse driving conditions: Poor weather or traffic delays can extend the driving limit by up to two hours.
- Short-haul drivers: Truckers operating within a 150-air-mile radius and completing their shifts within 14 hours may be exempt from some HOS requirements.
These exceptions are meant to provide flexibility while still prioritizing safety during unusual circumstances.
What To Do After a Truck Accident
If you’re involved in an accident with a semi-truck, identifying whether the driver violated HOS regulations can be key to proving liability.
To protect your rights:
- Call 911 to report the accident and get emergency help.
- Gather evidence, such as photos of the scene and contact information for witnesses.
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine at first.
- Consult an attorney to investigate the accident and determine if HOS violations were involved.
Taking these steps ensures you have the documentation and support you need to build a strong case for compensation. A truck accident attorney can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Determining Liability and Damages in Truck Accident Claims
When truck drivers violate HOS rules, they and their employers may be held responsible for any resulting accidents. Trucking companies can face additional penalties if they encouraged or ignored the violations.
Victims of truck accidents may recover compensation for:
- Economic damages: Medical bills, lost income, and property damage
- Non-economic damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
These damages aim to help victims recover from the physical, emotional, and financial impact of an accident.
Contact the Labrum Law Firm Truck Accident Lawyers To Learn More About Your Legal Rights
Truck accident cases often involve complex legal issues, especially when HOS violations are suspected. If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler collision, a personal injury lawyer can help you pursue compensation for your losses.
Don’t wait—contact a truck accident attorney today for a free consultation to discuss your legal options. Most attorneys in this area of the law work on contingency. That means they only get paid if they win money for your case. We work on a contingency fee basis with no financial risk for you. Contact our legal team from Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers, today to schedule your free consultation.
We proudly serve Nashville, Brentwood, and its surrounding areas in Tennessee:
Labrum Law Firm Personal Injury Lawyers – Nashville
315 Deaderick St, Suite 1525
Nashville, TN 37238
(615) 685-8546
Opened 24 hours