What is the 34-hour restart?

Taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty resets your 60- or 70-hour weekly clock back to zero, letting you start a fresh week of available hours.

Are there exceptions to the 14-hour rule?

Yes — the short-haul exception and the adverse driving conditions and sleeper-berth provisions can modify the limits in specific situations. Learn how they apply before you rely on them.

Hours of Service, in Plain English

The driving and duty limits that keep you legal and rested — without the legalese.

Key Facts

11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
14-hour driving window — once you go on duty, you have 14 hours to finish driving, breaks included.
A 30-minute break is required after 8 cumulative hours of driving.
60/70-hour limit over 7/8 days, which resets after 34 consecutive hours off.

The core limits

11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty
14-hour 'window' — once you start, you have 14 hours to finish driving, breaks included
30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
60/70-hour limit over 7/8 days, reset with 34 hours off

Why it exists

Fatigue is a well-documented factor in serious truck crashes — FMCSA's Large Truck Crash Causation Study found roughly 13% of commercial drivers were considered fatigued at the time of a serious crash. HOS rules cap how long you can drive so you stay alert. Violations bring fines, out-of-service orders, and CSA points against you and your carrier.

ELDs

Most drivers log hours automatically with an Electronic Logging Device. Know your clock anyway — planning loads around your available hours is the difference between an on-time delivery and a forced 10-hour break short of the receiver.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the 34-hour restart?: Taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty resets your 60- or 70-hour weekly clock back to zero, letting you start a fresh week of available hours.
Are there exceptions to the 14-hour rule?: Yes — the short-haul exception and the adverse driving conditions and sleeper-berth provisions can modify the limits in specific situations. Learn how they apply before you rely on them.