David J. Muñoz | June 19, 2026 | Truck Accidents

Commercial truck drivers often spend long hours on the road transporting goods throughout California and the rest of the country. Because fatigue can impair a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and ability to safely operate a large commercial vehicle, federal and state regulations limit how long truck drivers can drive before taking required breaks and rest periods.

These Hours of Service (HOS) rules are designed to reduce fatigue-related accidents and improve roadway safety. Below, we explain how many hours truck drivers can legally drive and what happens when they exceed those limits.

What Are Hours of Service (HOS) Rules?

Hours of Service rules are federal regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules govern how long commercial truck drivers can drive and work before taking mandatory breaks and rest periods.

The purpose of HOS regulations is to reduce driver fatigue and improve roadway safety. Studies have shown that tired drivers may experience slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and reduced concentration, all of which increase the likelihood of a crash.

Most interstate commercial truck drivers must comply with these regulations.

How Many Hours Can a Truck Driver Drive per Day?

Federal Hours of Service regulations place several limits on commercial truck drivers to reduce fatigue and improve safety. In most situations, drivers must comply with the following requirements:

• No more than 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• A 14-hour work window after coming on duty
• A 30-minute break after eight cumulative hours of driving
• A required off-duty period before beginning a new shift

These restrictions are intended to prevent fatigued driving and reduce the risk of serious truck accidents.

What Is the Weekly Driving Limit for Truck Drivers?

Federal law also limits the number of hours a truck driver can work during a week. These restrictions are intended to prevent fatigue from building up over several days.

Depending on the trucking company’s schedule, drivers may not drive after accumulating:

• 60 hours in seven consecutive days, or
• 70 hours in eight consecutive days

Drivers who reach these limits may use the 34-hour restart rule, which allows them to reset their available hours after spending at least 34 consecutive hours off duty.

Are California Truck Drivers Subject To Different Rules?

Some truck drivers who operate only within California are subject to California’s intrastate Hours of Service regulations rather than the federal rules that apply to most interstate drivers.

Under California law, most intrastate commercial drivers may:

• Drive up to 12 hours after taking at least 10 consecutive hours off duty
• Remain on duty until the end of the 16th hour after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty
• Accumulate up to 80 hours of on-duty time within eight consecutive days

These limits differ from federal regulations, which generally allow a maximum of 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour work window.

However, many truck drivers operating in California still fall under federal Hours of Service rules because they transport goods across state lines or otherwise engage in interstate commerce. Determining which regulations apply depends on the driver’s job duties and the nature of the trucking operation.

What Happens if a Truck Driver Exceeds Legal Driving Hours?

Exceeding legal driving limits can create serious safety risks and legal consequences. Fatigued drivers may have slower reaction times, impaired judgment, and difficulty focusing on the road.

When a truck driver exceeds Hours of Service limits, the consequences may include:

• Federal or state fines
• Regulatory penalties
• Increased company liability
• Driver disqualification in certain situations
• Greater risk of fatigue-related crashes

Because commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, fatigue-related accidents often result in severe injuries.

How Can Hours-of-Service Violations Affect a Truck Accident Claim?

Hours-of-Service violations do not automatically prove fault. However, they can provide important evidence during a truck accident investigation.

Investigators often review several records to determine whether a driver violated federal regulations, including:

• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data
• Driver logbooks
• Dispatch records
• GPS tracking information
• Fuel receipts

This evidence may help establish whether fatigue contributed to the collision. If a driver or trucking company violated Hours of Service rules, that information could strengthen an injured victim’s claim for compensation.

Contact Mission Personal Injury Lawyers To Schedule a Free Consultation With a San Diego Truck Accident Attorney

Determining whether a truck driver violated Hours-of-Service regulations in California often requires reviewing electronic logs, dispatch records, and other evidence. If a fatigued truck driver contributed to your accident, those records could play an important role in your claim.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers can investigate the circumstances of your crash and help you pursue compensation for your injuries. Reach out today to schedule a free consultation with a San Diego truck accident lawyer.

If you’ve been injured in San Diego or Chula Vista, please call Mission Personal Injury Lawyers for a free case evaluation with a personal injury lawyer or contact us online.

We proudly serve San Diego County and throughout California.

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – San Diego Office
3666 Fourth Ave, San Diego, CA 92103
(619) 777-5555

Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – Chula Vista Office
690 Otay Lakes Rd #130, Chula Vista, CA 91910
(619) 722-3032

We also serve the state of Texas. For legal assistance, contact our personal injury law office in El Paso today.
Mission Personal Injury Lawyers – El Paso Office
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