What are the key requirements of the FMCSA Electronic Logging Device (ELD)
rule?
- Requires ELD use by commercial drivers who are required to prepare hours-of-service (HOS) records of duty status (RODS).
- Sets ELD performance and design standards, and requires ELDs to be certified and registered with FMCSA.
- Establishes what supporting documents drivers and carriers are required to keep.
- Prohibits harassment of drivers based on ELD data or connected technology (such as fleet management system).
The rule also provides recourse for drivers who believe they have been harassed.
For the latest and most complete ELD information see
FMCSA Electronic Logging Device (ELD) FAQs
CDL Hours of Service FMCSA Regulations
Who Must Comply?
Most drivers must follow the HOS Regulations if they drive a commercial motor vehicle, or CMV.
In general, a CMV is a vehicle that is used as part of a business and is involved in interstate commerce and fits any of these descriptions:
- Weighs 10,001 pounds or more
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more
- Is designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) not for compensation
- Is designed or used to transport 9 or more passengers (including the driver) for compensation
- Is transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placards
Hours of Service Final Rule for Truck Drivers
The Hours of Service of Drivers Final Rule was published in the Federal Register on December 27, 2011. The effective date of the Final Rule was February 27, 2012, and the compliance date of remaining provisions was July 1, 2013.
NOTICE: The Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act of 2015 was enacted on December 16, 2014, suspending enforcement of requirements for use of the 34-hour restart. For more information see
FMCSA's Federal Register notice.
Summary of the Hours of Service Regulations . . .
If you need help . . .
determining what Class of CDL you need based upon the type
of vehicle you will drive (A, B or C) or are not sure which CDL
Endorsements you need based upon the type of loads you will carry; use the
free CDL Selector Tool . . .
Go to CDL Selector Tool
Not sure which CDL Tests you need to pass? Use this tool to determine what Class of CDL and which CDL Endorsements you require.
PROPERTY-CARRYING DRIVERS
- 11-Hour Driving Limit
May drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- 14-Hour Limit
May not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty. Off-duty time does not extend the 14-hour period.
- Rest Breaks May drive only if 8 hours or less have passed since end
of driver's last off-duty or sleeper berth period of at least 30 minutes.
Does not apply to drivers using either of the short-haul exceptions
in 395.1(e). [49 CFR 397.5 mandatory "in attendance" time
may be included in break if no other duties performed]
- 60/70-Hour Limit
May not drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days. A driver may restart a 7/8 consecutive day period after taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty.
- Sleeper Berth Provision
Drivers using the sleeper berth provision must take at least 8 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth, plus a separate 2 consecutive hours either in the sleeper berth, off duty, or any combination of the two.
PASSENGER-CARRYING DRIVERS
- 10-Hour Driving Limit
May drive a maximum of 10 hours after 8 consecutive hours off duty.
- 15-Hour Limit
May not drive after having been on duty for 15 hours, following 8 consecutive hours off duty. Off-duty time is not included in the 15-hour period.
- 60/70-Hour Limit
May not drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days.
- Sleeper Berth Provision
Drivers using a sleeper berth must take at least 8 hours in the sleeper berth, and may split the sleeper berth time into two periods provided neither is less than 2 hours.
Are YOU ready to get YOUR CDL?
Prepare for YOUR CDL Tests NOW . . .
In addition to the CDL (commercial driver's license) information found in our website covering the CDL and in the free CDL Handbook (which is quite boring and a bit confusing - and doesn't have a single multiple-choice question in it that is asked on the actual tests), the complete online
CDL Practice Test prep program will prepare you to easily pass your
CDL written exams to get your CDL permit. The skills test modules are invaluable to give you a head start before doing your
behind the wheel work, possibly saving you a lot of money. The CDL test prep program includes the following features . . .
- Covers ALL Eight CDL written tests.
- In separate study modules - you won't need all of them - don't waste time on what you don't require.
- Covers ALL Three CDL skills tests.
- In separate study modules - you won't need all of them - don't waste time on what you don't require.
- 670 practice CDL test questions with actual answers.
- Access to CDL videos covering written and skills tests.
- CDL study guide in both text and audio - listen as you read along.
- CDL study Quick Reviews.
- Interactive online CDL Quizzes.
- and much more!
May your new CAREER be prosperous!!!
Michael Hamilton
Director
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