How Many Hours are Truck Drivers Allowed to Drive?

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.

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.

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.

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.