How long can a cdl truck driver drive contiously without taking a break?

Question

how long of a break is needed?

how long total for a day? a week?

Answer 1

In the United States, the hours of service (HOS) are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).

Commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers are not allowed to drive more than 11 hours in a 14-hour period, which then must be followed by a 10-hour break.

Drivers are not allowed to drive more than 70 hours within a period of 8 days.

Drivers must complete a logbook documenting time spent driving. The logbook must be kept current, and must be presented to law enforcement officials upon demand.

Answer 2

Regulatory changes effective 2005:

Unless you are a short haul driver:

1)Can not drive over 11 hours after last 10 hours off duty

2)Can not drive after being on duty 14 hours after last 10 hours off duty

3)Can not drive more than 70 hours in an 8 day work week

or

Can not drive more than 60 hours in a 7 day work week.

You get a "restart" of the above times with a 34 hour rest period.

THEN: you need at least 10 consecutive hours either sleeper berth, or off duty or a combination therof between your 11 hour or 14 hour periods.

There is also a sleeper berth provision where you can take at least 8 hours sleeper, and 2 hours somewhere else.

There are these exceptions (b-o)

http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulatio...