The Core HOS Rules: 11-Hour, 14-Hour, and 10-Hour
Federal Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations under 49 CFR Part 395 govern when and how long a property-carrying commercial driver may operate. The three foundational rules work together: (1) The 11-Hour Driving Limit: after 10 consecutive hours off duty, a driver may drive a maximum of 11 hours. Driving means any time at the controls while the vehicle is in motion. (2) The 14-Hour On-Duty Window: after coming on duty, a driver has a 14-consecutive-hour window in which any driving must occur. This 14-hour clock cannot be paused or extended by taking a break — it runs continuously from the moment the driver comes on duty. A driver cannot drive after the 14-hour window expires, even if they have driving time remaining under the 11-hour rule. (3) The 10-Hour Off-Duty Requirement: before driving again after reaching the 11-hour limit or the 14-hour window, the driver must take 10 consecutive hours off duty. Critical point: the 14-hour clock starts when you come on duty for the day, not when you start driving. If you spend 3 hours on pre-trip inspection and loading (on-duty, not driving), your 14-hour window has already consumed 3 hours before you drive your first mile.