Camp Lejeune US Marine Corp Base Water Contamination Poe Hall Affected Individuals Click Here! ×
Whitley Law Firm Injury Lawyers
  • About
    • Our Attorneys
      • Bob E. Whitley
      • Benjamin H. Whitley
      • Barrett Johnson
      • Jack Keener
      • Matthew Bissette
      • Ryan McCollum
      • Gabe Talton
      • Shelsey Hall
      • Dak Lee
      • Stephen Gugenheim
    • Case Results
    • Blog
  • Practice Areas
    • Car Accident
    • Wrongful Death
    • Truck Accident
    • Workers’ Compensation
    • Construction Accident
    • Motorcycle Accident
    • Pedestrian Accident
    • Dog Bite
    • Premises Liability
    • Product Liability
      • Allergen Breast Implants
      • Hair Relaxer
      • Paragard IUD
      • Paraquat
      • Roundup
      • Talcum Powder
    • Dangerous Drugs
      • Belviq
      • Depo-Provera
      • Elmiron
      • Mounjaro/Ozempic
      • Tepezza
      • Valsartan
    • Defective Medical Devices
      • Exactech Hip Implants
      • Medtronic Insulin Pump
      • Penumbra
      • Powerport
      • Inferior Vena Cava
    • View All Practice Areas
  • Areas We Serve
    • Raleigh
    • Charlotte
    • Winston-Salem
    • Durham
    • Cary
    • Greenville
    • View All Areas We Serve
  • Community
    • Community Cares
    • In the Community
    • Free ‘Attorney on Call’ Book
    • Scholarship
  • FAQs
  • Videos
    • Testimonials
  • Contact Us
    • Free Case Evaluation
    • Careers
    • Business Opportunities
    • Free “Attorney on Call” Book
    • Press Opportunity
  • En Español
Call Now—Free & Confidential (800) 785-5000
  1. Home
  2. »
  3. FAQs
  4. »
  5. How Many Hours are Truck Drivers Allowed to Drive?
On This Page
  1. What are the Hours of Service Rules for Drivers Carrying Property?
  2. Why Do Hours of Service Rules Matter?
  3. Are there Exceptions to How Many Hours Truck Operators Can Drive?
  4. How Can HOS Violations Affect Truck Crashes in North Carolina?
  5. Our Lawyers Can File Your Claim or Lawsuit After a Truck Crash
  6. What to do After a Truck Accident

Get Free Advice About
The Compensation
You Deserve

Have a case?

How Many Hours are Truck Drivers Allowed to Drive?

A commercial truck driver takes a nap at a rest stop in North Carolina. If you are recovering from a truck accident, understanding how many hours truck drivers are allowed to drive can play a key role in your case. Consult an attorney to learn what damages you can recover from the liable parties.

Truck drivers are allowed to drive for up to 11 hours in a 14-hour workday if they are carrying goods. They also can’t work more than 60 hours in seven days or 70 hours in eight days. These rules include mandatory breaks to make sure drivers get enough rest. 

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) created these rules to make roads in North Carolina and throughout the U.S. safer and prevent crashes caused by tired drivers. 

If you’ve been in an accident with a truck, our Raleigh truck accident lawyers can help determine whether driver fatigue or HOS violations played a role. We can explain your legal options during a free consultation.

What are the Hours of Service Rules for Drivers Carrying Property?

Property-carrying truck drivers, who are responsible for transporting freight such as goods, raw materials, or equipment, follow these FMCSA hours of service regulations:

  • Driving limit: Drivers can drive for a maximum of 11 hours after taking 10 consecutive hours off duty.
  • Workday limit: Drivers may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, even if they haven’t driven the full 11 hours.
  • Weekly limit: Drivers may not exceed 60 hours of work in seven days or 70 hours in eight days, depending on the company’s schedule.
  • Break requirements: After driving for eight consecutive hours, drivers must take a 30-minute break before continuing.

These limits are designed to ensure drivers get enough rest to operate safely and prevent accidents caused by fatigue.

The Whitley Advantage isn’t just one thing – it’s everything.

Contact Us Today For a FREE Confidential Case Review (800) 785-5000

Why Do Hours of Service Rules Matter?

Fatigue is one of the leading causes of accidents involving large trucks. HOS rules reduce the risk of drowsy driving by limiting truckers’ time on the road and mandating rest periods.  

When these regulations are ignored, the chances of severe accidents increase significantly. Ensuring compliance is crucial for the safety of everyone on the road.

Are there Exceptions to How Many Hours Truck Operators Can Drive?

While most commercial truck drivers carrying freight must follow standard federal regulations, exceptions can occur in certain scenarios, such as the following:

  • Emergency conditions: Drivers may exceed the driving limits in cases of emergencies like natural disasters or severe weather.
  • Adverse driving conditions: Drivers can extend their driving time by up to two hours when facing unexpected conditions such as bad weather or heavy traffic.
  • Short-haul exceptions: Drivers operating within a 150-air-mile radius may not need to follow some rules, such as the 30-minute break requirement.

This firm has always been about people and helping them.

Contact Us Today For a FREE Confidential Case Review (800) 785-5000

How Can HOS Violations Affect Truck Crashes in North Carolina?

When truck drivers or their employers violate HOS regulations, everyone on the road is at risk. Driving while tired slows reaction times and clouds judgment, greatly increasing the risk of accidents.

If an HOS violation contributes to an accident, the affected parties may be able to hold the driver or trucking company legally responsible for the resulting losses.

We are committed to the highest quality client service and one-on-one attention.

Contact Us Today For a FREE Confidential Case Review (800) 785-5000

Our Lawyers Can File Your Claim or Lawsuit After a Truck Crash

If you’ve been in a truck accident, the Raleigh personal injury lawyers with our firm can:

  • Investigate whether the truck driver followed HOS rules
  • Review driver logs, GPS data, and employer records to uncover potential violations
  • Determine whether the trucking company encouraged or allowed unsafe practices
  • Identify all liable parties in your case, including the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, or any third-party contractors responsible for maintenance or loading
  • Build a case to recover compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, and other damages you can collect in a truck accident case

We will navigate the complexities of your truck accident case. While you focus on healing from your injuries, we will handle your case, ensuring you receive the representation you deserve.

What to do After a Truck Accident

Being involved in a truck accident can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps can protect your health and legal rights. Here’s what you should do:

  • Get medical help immediately: Your safety and well-being are your priority. Even if you feel fine, get checked by a doctor to identify any injuries that might not show symptoms right away.
  • Contact the police: Call 911 to report the accident and ensure a police report is filed. This document will be crucial evidence if you pursue a claim.
  • Document the crash scene: Take pictures of the vehicles, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries. Collect contact information from witnesses and note any statements the truck driver makes about the accident.
  • Do not admit fault: Avoid discussing who is at fault for the accident at the scene, even casually. Statements made in the heat of the moment could be used against you later.
  • Preserve evidence from the crash: Keep copies of your medical records, accident report, repair estimates, and any other documents related to the accident. This evidence will be important in proving your case.
  • Consult our truck accident lawyers: Various factors can complicate crashes due to the number of parties involved, such as the driver, trucking company, and even vehicle manufacturers. Our legal team will investigate the cause of the accident, determine liability, and fight for your compensation.

We will guide you through every step of the process, protecting your rights and helping you recover compensation for your medical bills, lost income, and other losses.  

Learn How Many Hours Truck Drivers are Allowed to Drive and Protect Your Legal Rights

If you are recovering from a truck accident, understanding how many hours truck drivers are allowed to drive can play a key role in your case. When drivers or trucking companies ignore these rules, they put everyone on the road in danger.

If you want to recover damages, act now. In North Carolina, you have three years from the accident date to sue for compensation, per G.S. § 1-52. This timeline may seem long, but building a case takes time, and waiting too long can affect your ability to hold the liable party accountable.

Whitley Law Firm has been helping seriously injured individuals in North Carolina since 1974, giving us over 50 years of experience. We are available 24/7 and promise to return all phone calls within 24 hours. Let us fight for you. Contact us today for a free consultation.

Learn about what makes us unique and why we are the right firm to help you.

Contact Us Today For a FREE Confidential Case Review (800) 785-5000
Truck Accident Blog Posts:
8793019618 1a35f6a3d4 b

Dangers of Fatigued Truck Drivers

Driving while exhausted has been likened to driving while intoxicated. Some studies suggest it is actually even more

Commercial Trucking Law & Truck Driver Fatigue Cases

Commercial Trucking Law & Truck Driver Fatigue Cases

As a heavily regulated area of the law, commercial truck drivers who carry property in their vehicles are expected to

When Should I Call a Truck Accident Lawyer?

When Should I Call a Truck Accident Lawyer?

Truck accidents can be serious, causing major injuries, damage, or even the loss of life. In North Carolina, these

Benjamin H. Whitley

Benjamin H. Whitley

Attorney

Free Case Evaluation

To contact us by e-mail, please complete and submit the form below. Your question will be answered within 24 hours.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

FAQ Categories

  • Bad Faith Insurance
  • Car Accident
  • Construction Accident
  • Dog Bite
  • Insurance Claims
  • Motorcycle Accident
  • Negligence
  • Personal Injury
  • Premesis Liabilty
  • Product Liability
  • Slip and Fall Accident
  • Social Security
  • Social Security Disability
  • Truck Accident
  • Worker's Compensation
  • Wrongful Death
Find Yourself a Passionate Lawyer Now!
  • Raleigh Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Kinston Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Jacksonville Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Greenville Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Greensboro Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Winston Salem Personal Injury Lawyer
  • New Bern Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Durham Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Burlington Personal Injury Lawyer
  • Chapel Hill Personal Injury Lawyer

FAQs

What Type of Damages Can Be Recovered Following a Car Accident?

What Type of Damages Can Be Recovered Following a Car Accident?

What Types of On-The-Job Illnesses are Compensable?

What Types of On-The-Job Illnesses are Compensable?

What Types of Damages are Compensable in a Wrongful Death Claim?

What Types of Damages are Compensable in a Wrongful Death Claim?

FREE Case Evaluation

To contact us by e-mail, please complete and submit the form below. Your question will be answered within 24 hours.

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Get our latest news and updates delivered
directly to your inbox

  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Whitley Law Firm Injury Lawyers

The Whitley Law Firm believes in giving back to the communities in which we live and work.

The Whitley Law Firm BBB Business Review
Important Links
  • About Us
  • Testimonials
  • Case Results
  • Community Support
  • Car Accident Lawyers
  • Workers’ Compensation Lawyers
  • Free Case Evaluation
Areas Served
  • Raleigh
  • Greenville
  • Kinston
  • Jacksonville
  • New Bern
  • Winston-Salem
  • Durham
  • Burlington
  • Cary
  • Chapel Hill
  • Fayetteville
  • Greensboro
  • Rocky Mount
  • Southern Pines
  • Wake Forest
  • Wilson
Contact Info
1000 Social St. Suite 200, Raleigh, NC 27609
Get Directions
(800) 785-5000

© Copyright 2025 Whitley Law Firm Injury Lawyers.
All Rights Reserved.
Past results do not guarantee future success

  • Privacy Policy
  • Disclaimer
  • Giveaway Terms
  • Sitemap
Hennessey-Digital-Badge