Safety on our Roadways: Service Hour Guidelines for Truck Drivers

Large commercial trucks play a critical role in keeping our economy moving. From delivering essential goods to supporting supply chains nationwide, truck drivers are indispensable. But with that responsibility comes risk—especially when drivers are overworked or fatigued. 

To protect everyone on the road, federal regulations establish service hour guidelines that limit how long truck drivers can operate their vehicles without rest. Understanding these rules is essential for promoting roadway safety and preventing serious accidents.

Why Driver Fatigue Is Dangerous

Driver fatigue is one of the most significant safety risks on U.S. highways. Operating an 80,000-pound vehicle requires constant attention, quick reaction times, and sound judgment. When drivers are tired, their ability to react to hazards, maintain lane control, and make safe decisions is severely impaired. 

Truck drivers often face long schedules, tight delivery deadlines, and pressure to stay on the road. Without clear limits, these factors can push drivers beyond safe physical and mental limits—endangering not only themselves but also other motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians.

Federal Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations

To combat fatigue-related accidents, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. These rules apply to most commercial drivers operating large trucks and buses and are designed to ensure drivers get adequate rest.

Key HOS guidelines include:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• 14-Hour On-Duty Window: Drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, even if they have not driven the full 11 hours.
• 30-Minute Break Requirement: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after driving for 8 cumulative hours without a break of at least 30 minutes.
• 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: Drivers may not drive after 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days (or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days), depending on the carrier’s schedule.

These rules are enforced through electronic logging devices (ELDs), which track driving time and help prevent falsified logs.

How These Guidelines Protect Everyone

Service hour limits are not just about protecting truck drivers—they’re about protecting everyone who shares the road. Fatigue-related truck accidents are often catastrophic due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles. When a tired driver makes a mistake, the consequences can include severe injuries, fatalities, and extensive property damage.

By requiring rest breaks and limiting driving hours, HOS regulations reduce the likelihood of:

• Rear-end collisions caused by delayed reaction times
• Lane departure accidents
• Jackknife and rollover crashes
• Poor decision-making in heavy traffic or adverse weather

These safeguards help ensure truck drivers are alert, focused, and able to respond to sudden roadway hazards.

The Consequences of Violating Service Hour Rules

Despite strict regulations, violations still occur. Some drivers may feel pressured by employers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, while others may choose to exceed legal limits for financial reasons. When service hour violations occur, the risks increase dramatically.

Companies and drivers who violate HOS regulations may face:

• Fines and penalties
• Out-of-service orders
• Increased liability in the event of an accident
• Higher insurance costs
• Damage to professional reputation

More importantly, violations can lead to devastating accidents that permanently change lives.

Negligence and Potential Legal Action

Violations of federal Hours of Service regulations can constitute negligence when they lead to truck accidents. Truck drivers who exceed legal driving limits—and trucking companies that encourage or ignore such violations—may be held legally responsible for resulting injuries.

Liability may extend beyond the driver to the trucking company for practices such as unrealistic scheduling, inadequate oversight, or failure to monitor electronic logging devices. When fatigue-related crashes occur, injured victims may be entitled to pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. 

Contact Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a Free Consultation With a Seattle Truck Accident Lawyer

Service hour guidelines exist for a reason: to save lives. When trucking companies and drivers follow these regulations, fatigue-related crashes are reduced, and our roadways are safer for everyone. When service hour violations lead to serious truck accidents, injured victims do not have to face the aftermath alone. 

Contact Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. An experienced Seattle truck accident attorney can help investigate Hours of Service violations, identify negligent parties, and pursue the compensation you deserve. Taking action not only protects your rights—it helps promote safer practices on our roadways. Visit our law office at:

Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
2101 4th Ave 1030 Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 727 4000
Hours: Open 24/7