HOS Rules · AB.delivery

Quick reference for interstate HOS, short-haul options, sleeper splits, adverse conditions, plus endorsements/permits and state/local examples. (Always verify with current FMCSA regs and the state DOT where you’re operating.)

FMCSA Interstate/Intrastate CDL Endorsements Permits

Core Interstate HOS Clocks

11-Hour Driving

Up to 11 hours driving after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off.
Driving beyond 11 hours is not allowed (except limited flexibility under adverse conditions below).

14-Hour Shift

No driving after the 14th consecutive hour on duty.
Off-duty time does not stop the 14-hour window (sleeper split can, see below).

30-Minute Break

Break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving time.
Can be satisfied by off-duty, sleeper-berth, or on-duty not driving—minimum 30 minutes.

60/70-Hour Cycle

60 in 7 days (no 7th day off-duty carrier) or 70 in 8 days (carrier operating every day).
No driving after reaching the cycle limit until hours are regained.

34-Hour Reset

34 consecutive hours off-duty/sleeper resets the 60/70-hour clock.
No specific time-of-day requirement in current rules.

These are baseline federal (FMCSA) interstate rules for property-carrying CMVs. Passenger-carrying rules differ (e.g., 10-hour driving / 15-hour on-duty).

Short-Haul (Air-Mile) Options

For certain local drivers operating within a radius and meeting time limits, short-haul provisions reduce recordkeeping and adjust limits.

150 air-mile (non-CDL & CDL local): Operate within 150 air-miles of the normal work reporting location and return the same day.
14-hour limit (CDL short-haul): May not drive beyond 14 hours after coming on duty.
Records: Time records can replace full logs when all criteria are met (start time, end time, total hours, location, etc.).
Breaks: The 30-minute break rule still applies when hitting 8 hours of driving time.

“Air-mile” is a nautical mile (~1.1508 statute miles). Verify intrastate variations with the state DOT.

Split Sleeper Options (8/2 or 7/3)

Drivers may split their required 10 off-duty hours into two qualifying periods (e.g., 8/2 or 7/3), in any order.
The longer period must be in the sleeper berth; the shorter can be off-duty or sleeper.
When properly used, a qualifying split can pause the 14-hour clock between the two periods.
Neither period counts against the 14-hour window if both qualify and total at least 10 hours.

Your ELD should display remaining drive/shift time correctly when splits are selected; ensure status changes are accurate.

Adverse Driving Conditions (+2 Hours)

When unforeseen adverse conditions arise (e.g., unexpected road closure, sudden weather), a driver may extend driving time by up to 2 hours.
Document the reason in remarks. Should not be used for conditions that could have been known before dispatch.
Can extend the 11-hour drive and, under current flexibility, the 14-hour window by up to 2 hours when criteria are met.

Local / Regional / OTR Scenarios

Local / Day-Cab

Often eligible for 150 air-mile short-haul when returning to the same reporting location.
Time records in lieu of full RODS when all criteria are met.
30-minute break still required with 8 hours of driving time.

Regional / Linehaul

Standard interstate HOS with 11/14/60-70/34 reset.
Sleeper splits can provide route flexibility for staging and appointments.

OTR / Long-Haul

Plan for recaps (regaining hours from 8 days back) vs. scheduling 34-hour resets.
Use PC / YM judiciously and according to company policy and FMCSA guidance.

Passenger-Carrying

Different limits: typically 10-hour driving, 15-hour on-duty, 8 consecutive hours off-duty.
Confirm company-specific procedures for passenger operations.

CDL Endorsements & Related Requirements

Common Endorsements

H: Hazardous Materials (background check, knowledge test).
N: Tank Vehicles (liquid/gas in tanks).
X: Hazmat + Tanker combo.
T: Double/Triple Trailers.
P/S: Passenger / School Bus.

Programs & Docs

TWIC for certain ports/facilities.
Medical certificate, state MVR checks, employer DQF maintenance.
Company policies may add training or route restrictions.

Permits & Special Conditions

Oversize/Overweight: State permits with specific routes, curfews, flags/lights, and escort/pilot-car requirements.
Hazmat: Routing restrictions, designated routes, placarding, parking rules; some facilities or tunnels require special authorization.
Seasonal/weather: Chains, speed limits, bridge restrictions.

Special moves are primarily governed by state or local authorities. Always carry permit documents and follow all listed conditions.

State & Local Examples (verify locally)

These are example categories you can expand into a maintained table. Exact restrictions vary and change—confirm with state DOTs, turnpike authorities, and local ordinances.

New York / NYC (examples)

Hazmat/tanker routing may restrict certain tunnels or require escorts/time-of-day windows.
Parkways often prohibit trucks altogether (clearance/weight). Use designated truck routes.
Bridge/tunnel approaches can have lane/height restrictions; check posted signs and route advisories.

Bridges & Heights (general)

Know your actual height and compare to posted clearance before committing.
Some large bridges have different restrictions by deck/level or during wind advisories.

Build a per-state route sheet (CSV/JSON) with: allowed routes, restrictions, max dimensions, escort rules, curfews, key contacts, and links to official pages. Surface it here with a search filter.

ELD Compliance Quick Notes

Keep driver, carrier, vehicle, and trailer info current in your log header.
Resolve malfunction/diagnostic codes quickly; annotate and follow your company’s procedure.
For roadside inspections: be able to transfer output file, display the last 7 days + today, and provide instructions to the officer.

This reference is for planning and training. It’s not legal advice. Always check the current FMCSA regulations and the state/local authorities where you operate.

Hours of Service Rules