One critical aspect of driving a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) is understanding and adhering to daily driving and on-duty limits.

Check out our article: Do you need ELDs? Rules & Exceptions

US Driving & On-Duty Limits

In the United States, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets the rules and regulations for daily driving and on-duty limits for CMV drivers.

US HOS Daily Driving Limit

• 11-Hour Limit: CMV drivers are allowed to drive a maximum of 11 hours before taking 10 hours in Off-Duty.

US HOS Daily On-Duty Limit

• 14-Hour Limit: CMV drivers cannot be on duty for more than 14 hours after coming on duty following 10 consecutive hours Off-Duty.
• Note: Driving time also counts as On-Duty time.

US HOS 30-Minute Break

CMV drivers are required to take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving

US Resetting your HOS Shift

CMV drivers must take a minimum of 10 hours off-duty in a day.

Note: Sleeper Berth also counts as Off-Duty

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Check out our post on: Hours of Service - A Quick Guide for Drivers

Canada Driving & On-Duty Limits

In Canada, the driving and on-duty limits are regulated by Transport Canada and the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA).

Daily Driving Limit

• 13-Hour Limit: CMV drivers are allowed to drive a maximum of 13 hours in a 24-hour period, or a work shift.

Daily On-Duty Limit

• 14-Hour Limit: CMV drivers cannot drive after being in On-Duty for more than 14 hours in a 24-hour period or work-shift.
• 16-Hours Limit: CMV drivers cannot driver after 16 hours has passed from the moment they mark Driving or On-Duty in the beginning of a shift.
• Note: Driving time counts as On-Duty time.

Canada Resetting your HOS Shift

CMV drivers must take a minimum of 10 hours off-duty between shifts.

CMV drivers must take at least 8 hours consecutively in Off-Duty.

Note: Sleeper Berth also counts as Off-Duty

In Canada HOS rules, Work Shift refers to the section of time between a consecutive 8 hours in Off-Duty.

Check out our post on: HOS Duty Cycles - Managing your 70/8, 60/7, 70/7, or 120/14 cycle

Switchboard provides a third-party certified ELD and helps you manage your HOS & safety compliance. If you’re looking for a comprehensive and easy to use ELD for managing your hours-of-service, sign up to get a demo of Switchboard.