Hours of Service (HOS) regulations are designed to keep truck drivers safe and prevent fatigue-related accidents on the road. However, navigating these rules can be challenging, and even unintentional violations can have severe consequences for drivers, companies, and public safety. For trucking companies and drivers alike, understanding these rules, their impact, and how to stay compliant is essential. 

In this guide, we’ll break down key HOS rules, explore frequent mistakes that lead to violations, and provide practical tips to help you stay compliant.

The Basics of HOS Rules

HOS regulations were established to reduce accidents caused by driver fatigue and to improve the overall safety of the roadways. The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that nearly 13% of all truck accidents are related to driver fatigue. By limiting the number of hours a driver can be on the road, the HOS rules aim to ensure that drivers get adequate rest, remain alert, and perform their jobs safely.

HOS regulations include several important components to ensure drivers get enough rest and don't exceed safe driving limits for all trucks weighing over 10,000 pounds, transporting hazardous materials, transporting 16 or more passengers not for compensation, or transporting 9 or more passengers for compensation. These regulations include:

• Maximum Driving Hours: Drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving after having 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• Rest Breaks: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving.
• Sleeper Berth Requirements: Drivers who operate trucks with a sleeper berth can split their rest period into two segments, but one segment must be at least 7 consecutive hours, and the other must be at least 2 consecutive hours.
• Daily/Shift Limits: Drivers cannot exceed a maximum on-duty period of 14 hours.
• Weekly Limits: Drivers cannot drive after 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days or 70 hours on duty in 8 consecutive days. Drivers can start another 7 or 8 day driving period only after they’ve taken at least 34 consecutive hours off duty. 

The Short Term Consequences of Violating HOS Rules

A violation of HOS rules can carry a variety of immediate consequences, including fines, penalties, and driver out-of-service orders.

Fines and Penalties

Violating HOS rules can lead to significant fines and penalties for both the driver and the company. For instance, drivers who exceed their allowed hours may face fines of several hundred dollars per violation, and the penalties can increase if the violations are repeated.

For trucking companies, fines can be even more severe. If a company is found to have encouraged or allowed drivers to violate HOS rules, the penalties can extend to the company’s operating authority or safety rating, leading to even greater financial consequences.

Driver Out-of-Service Orders

If a driver is found to be in violation of HOS regulations, they may receive an “out-of-service order” until they can demonstrate compliance. An out-of-service order is a legal declaration by an enforcement officer that a commercial vehicle driver is not permitted to operate their vehicle, which means they cannot drive until the issue is corrected. In these cases, the driver will be sidelined from their job and unable to continue driving until they’ve met the required rest periods, which impacts the company’s bottom line and can damage customer relationships.

The Long-Term Consequences of Violating HOS Rules

In addition to the immediate impacts of violating HOS rules, there are long-term ramifications, including decreases to CSA scores, loss of consumer trust, and increased liability. 

CSA Score and Compliance Risks

When a driver violates DOT HOS rules, the violation is typically recorded, impacting their

safety records, which will impact their carrier’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) score. This score is used by the FMCSA to “hold motor carriers and drivers accountable for their role in safety.” Violations can negatively impact the score, which assigns a number from 0 to 100 (with higher scores reflecting a worse performance). A high CSA score can make it difficult for drivers to find new jobs, as companies may be hesitant to hire drivers with poor safety records. Additionally, a bad reputation for non-compliance can lead to fewer opportunities for career advancement within the industry.

For trucking companies, the impact of HOS violations is not just limited to drivers. A poor safety rating can lead to more frequent inspections, increased fines, and, in extreme cases, the suspension of the company’s operating license.

Loss of Trust with Customers

One of the most significant long-term impacts of HOS violations is the loss of trust with customers. Delayed deliveries, missed appointments, and penalties associated with non-compliance can cause customers to lose confidence in a trucking company. 

Increased Risk of Accidents

Driving beyond the recommended hours of service increases the likelihood of driver fatigue, which is one of the leading causes of truck accidents due to impaired reaction times, judgment, and decision-making abilities.

Lawsuits and Liability

If an accident occurs while a driver is violating HOS regulations, the company may face legal consequences, including civil lawsuits from victims. Depending on the severity of the accident and the violation, there may even be criminal charges in extreme cases.

Preventing DOT Hours of Service Violations with ELDs

One of the most effective tools for ensuring compliance with HOS regulations is the use of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs). ELDs automatically track a driver’s hours of service and ensure that they are staying within legal limits. By electronically recording driving hours, these devices eliminate the possibility of human error or manipulation, helping drivers and companies stay compliant with the law.

In addition, ELDs provide real-time data that can be used by companies to monitor driver hours and rest periods, helping to avoid unintentional violations. These devices also provide a record of compliance during inspections, which can streamline the process and reduce the risk of penalties.

Tips To Help You Follow DOT HOS Rules

Here are a few tips and tricks to help you stay compliant and safe.

• Plan Routes and Rest Breaks: Before hitting the road, plan your routes carefully and ensure you schedule adequate rest breaks.
• Maintain Open Communication: Stay in constant communication with dispatchers to inform them of any delays or issues that might affect your compliance with HOS rules.
• Track Hours Regularly: Use ELDs or manual logs to track driving hours and ensure compliance throughout the day.

What To Do if You Violate HOS Rules

If you realize that you’ve violated DOT HOS rules, it’s crucial to stop driving immediately and rest. Continuing to drive while fatigued only exacerbates the situation and increases the risk of accidents. Report the violation to your carrier, so they can take appropriate action and ensure that the situation is corrected.

After a violation, it’s important to adjust your habits to avoid repeating the mistake. Review your driving schedule, take note of the rest periods, and familiarize yourself with the HOS rules in greater detail. There are plenty of resources available, including training materials and online courses, that can help you better understand and comply with HOS regulations.

Learning and Following HOS Rules

In the trucking industry, compliance with HOS regulations is not just a legal obligation. It’s a matter of safety. Violating HOS rules can lead to immediate penalties and long-term consequences for drivers and companies. By staying informed, using technology like ELDs, and maintaining open communication, trucking companies and drivers can reduce the risk of violations and keep themselves, their customers, and the general public safe.

Drive with a Company Committed to Your Safety

At Pride Transport, we understand that safety and compliance are not just about following rules—they are about taking care of our drivers and the communities we serve. We prioritize training, technology, and a culture of open communication to ensure our drivers remain in compliance with HOS regulations. By staying ahead of the curve, we help our drivers achieve a balance of safety, efficiency, and reliability that our customers can trust. See our current open positions on our careers page.