Truck Driver Resource Center
FMCSA rules, hours-of-service limits, what to do if you're involved in a crash, and your legal rights — all in one place.
FMCSA Hours-of-Service Rules
11-Hour Driving Limit
May drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
14-Hour On-Duty Limit
Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 hours off duty.
30-Minute Break
Must take a 30-minute break when 8 hours have passed since last off-duty or sleeper berth period of at least 30 minutes.
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 a sleeper berth 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.
Short-Haul Exception
Drivers who operate within a 150 air-mile radius and return to their work reporting location within 14 hours are exempt from the 30-minute break and ELD requirements.
Important: Adverse Driving Conditions Exception
Drivers may extend the 11-hour maximum driving limit and 14-hour on-duty limit by up to 2 hours when adverse driving conditions are encountered. This does not extend the 60/70-hour limit.
What to Do If You're Involved in a Crash
Follow this checklist immediately after any accident involving your commercial vehicle.
Stop Immediately & Secure the Scene
Pull over safely, turn on hazard lights, and set out warning triangles or flares if available. Never leave the scene of an accident.
Call 911
Report the accident immediately. Request medical assistance if anyone is injured. Wait for law enforcement to arrive before moving vehicles if possible.
Check for Injuries
Check yourself and others for injuries. Do not attempt to move seriously injured people unless there is immediate danger (fire, etc.).
Do NOT Admit Fault
Do not say "I'm sorry," "It was my fault," or make any statements about what happened. Stick to factual information only when speaking with police.
Document Everything
Take photos of all vehicles, damage, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signs, and the surrounding area. Get photos from multiple angles before anything is moved.
Collect Information
Get names, contact info, insurance info, and license plate numbers from all drivers. Get names and contact info from witnesses.
Notify Your Dispatcher
Contact your company dispatcher or safety department immediately. Follow your company's accident reporting procedures.
Preserve Your ELD Data
Do not alter, delete, or allow anyone to access your Electronic Logging Device data without legal counsel present.
Contact an Attorney BEFORE Giving a Statement
The trucking company's insurer will contact you quickly. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company without speaking to an attorney first.
Your Legal Rights as a Truck Driver
Right to Legal Representation
You have the right to an attorney before giving any statement to insurance companies, your employer, or investigators. Exercise this right.
Right to Review Your ELD Records
You are entitled to a copy of your own ELD data. Request it immediately after any accident before it can be overwritten.
Right to Refuse Unsafe Loads
Federal law protects drivers who refuse to operate a vehicle they reasonably believe is unsafe. You cannot be fired for refusing an unsafe load.
Right to Know Your Violations
You have the right to review any citations or violations issued against you and to contest them through the proper channels.
Right to Workers' Compensation
If you are injured while on duty, you may be entitled to workers' compensation benefits regardless of who was at fault.
Right to a Safe Work Environment
OSHA and FMCSA regulations require your employer to provide a safe working environment. Violations can be reported to the relevant agency.
Common FMCSA Violations & Penalties
| Violation | Category | Civil Penalty |
|---|---|---|
| Hours-of-Service violation | Driver | Up to $16,000 per violation |
| False ELD records / logbook falsification | Driver / Carrier | Up to $16,000 per violation |
| Operating a CMV while disqualified | Driver | Up to $5,000 |
| Cargo securement violation | Driver / Carrier | Up to $16,000 per violation |
| Failure to conduct pre-trip inspection | Driver | Up to $1,000 |
| Operating with out-of-service order | Carrier | Up to $25,000 |
| Drug/alcohol testing violation | Carrier | Up to $16,000 per violation |
| Hazmat transportation violation | Driver / Carrier | Up to $84,425 per violation |
Penalties as of 2026. Amounts may be adjusted annually for inflation. Criminal penalties may also apply in cases involving serious injury or death.
Check Your Route Before You Roll
Real-time crash reports and road closures by state — updated 24/7.
Involved in a Crash? Get Legal Help Now.
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