Hours-of-service rules for property-carrying drivers
Checked against official sources · Last reviewed October 6, 2026
Hours-of-service rules limit how long a driver hauling freight may drive and stay on duty. They cover drivers of commercial motor vehicles of 10,001 lbs or more in interstate commerce, with or without a CDL. Here are the core limits for property carriers and the short-haul exception. [2][3]
On this page
The core limits
These are the main limits in 49 CFR 395.3 for drivers of property-carrying vehicles.
| Rule | Limit |
|---|---|
| Off duty before driving | 10 consecutive hours off duty |
| 14-hour window | No driving after the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty |
| Driving limit | 11 hours of driving within the 14-hour window |
| 30-minute break | Required before driving once 8 hours of driving have passed without a 30-minute interruption |
| Weekly limit | 60 hours on duty in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days |
| Restart | 34 or more consecutive hours off duty restarts the 7- or 8-day period |
Sources: [1]
How the daily limits work together
After 10 consecutive hours off duty, a driver starts a fresh 14-hour window. Driving is not allowed after the 14th consecutive hour from coming on duty, and within that window the driver may drive a total of 11 hours.
Driving is not permitted once more than 8 hours of driving have passed without at least a 30-minute consecutive break from driving. The break can be off duty, in the sleeper berth, on duty not driving, or a combination. Drivers who qualify for either short-haul exception don't need this break. [1]
The 60/70-hour limit and the 34-hour restart
A driver may not drive after being on duty 60 hours in 7 consecutive days if the carrier does not operate every day of the week, or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days if it does.
The 7- or 8-day period can be restarted by taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty. [1]
The 150 air-mile short-haul exception
Short-haul drivers don't have to keep logs, or use an ELD, if they meet all of these conditions. They stay within a 150 air-mile radius (172.6 statute miles) of their normal work reporting location. They return to that location and are released from work within 14 consecutive hours. They have at least 10 consecutive hours off duty separating each 14 hours on duty.
The carrier must keep accurate time records for each driver for 6 months, showing when the driver reported for work, the hours on duty, and the release time. [4]
Non-CDL drivers
Drivers who don't need a CDL, such as a hot shot driver under 26,001 lbs combined or a box truck driver in a 26,000-lb truck, are still covered by hours-of-service rules. The regulation has a separate 150 air-mile short-haul exception for drivers of property-carrying vehicles that don't require a CDL. [3]
Logs and record keeping
Drivers who aren't exempt record their duty status on an ELD; see ELD mandate for who must use one and the exceptions. Carriers must keep records of duty status and supporting documents for at least 6 months. [5]
Common questions
How many hours can a truck driver drive in a day?
A property-carrying driver may drive up to 11 hours within a 14-hour window that starts after 10 consecutive hours off duty. [1]
When is the 30-minute break required?
Driving is not permitted if more than 8 hours of driving time have passed without at least a 30-minute consecutive interruption in driving. Drivers who qualify for either short-haul exception are excepted. [1]
What is the 34-hour restart?
Taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty restarts the 7- or 8-day period used for the 60/70-hour limit. [1]
Sources (5)
- 49 CFR 395.3 - Maximum driving time for property-carrying vehicles (accessed Oct 6, 2026)
- 49 CFR 390.5 - Definitions (commercial motor vehicle, FMCSRs) (accessed Oct 6, 2026)
- 49 CFR 395.1 - Scope of rules in this part (short-haul exceptions) (accessed Oct 6, 2026)
- 49 CFR 395.1 - Scope of rules in this part (accessed Oct 6, 2026)
- 49 CFR 395.8 - Driver's record of duty status (accessed Oct 6, 2026)