For property-carrying drivers, the federal hours-of-service rules include a weekly limit: no driving after 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days, or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days if the carrier operates every day of the week. On-duty time includes driving and other work, such as loading, fueling and paperwork.
How the clock rolls
The limit looks back over a rolling window of days. Each new day, the oldest day drops out, and its hours come back. Planning loads around which hours come back tomorrow keeps a driver moving.
The 34-hour restart
Drivers may restart the 60 or 70-hour period by taking at least 34 consecutive hours off duty. After a restart, the count begins again from zero.
Check before you book
Compare the hours a load will take, including loading and unloading time, with the hours left on the clock. If it does not fit, plan a restart or a different load.
Our 70-hour clock calculator shows hours available today and tomorrow.
General information. The FMCSA hours-of-service rules, including exceptions, decide what applies; your ELD is the record.
This article is general information, not legal, tax or regulatory advice. Rules change; confirm current requirements with the responsible agency or a licensed professional.
