The Most Common Hours-of-Service Violations (and How to Avoid Them)

Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations are among the most closely monitored and frequently enforced rules in the trucking industry. Designed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to reduce driver fatigue and improve highway safety, these regulations establish how long commercial drivers can drive, when they must take breaks, and how much off-duty time they need before returning to work.

Unfortunately, Hours-of-Service violations remain one of the leading causes of roadside citations, FMCSA interventions, increased Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) scores, and DOT audits. For owner-operators and small fleets, even a few HOS violations can affect safety ratings, insurance costs, and business opportunities.

The good news is that most Hours-of-Service violations are preventable with proper training, accurate recordkeeping, and consistent monitoring.

At A Plus Compliance Group, we help owner-operators and trucking companies simplify DOT compliance, monitor Hours-of-Service records, and stay audit-ready year-round. As The Carrier Advocate, we're committed to helping carriers avoid costly violations before they happen.

Protect Your CSA Scores

Every clean roadside inspection and every accurate log helps strengthen your compliance record. Developing good Hours-of-Service habits today can save your business thousands of dollars in penalties and lost opportunities tomorrow.

What Are Hours-of-Service Rules?

Hours-of-Service regulations are federal rules that limit how long commercial motor vehicle drivers may drive and work before taking required breaks or rest periods.

The purpose of these rules is simple: reduce driver fatigue and improve safety for everyone on the road.

For most property-carrying drivers, the FMCSA requires compliance with several key limits, including:

  • The 11-hour driving limit

  • The 14-hour on-duty window

  • The 30-minute break requirement (when applicable)

  • The 60/70-hour cumulative duty limits

  • Sleeper berth requirements for qualifying drivers

Most interstate carriers must also use an Electronic Logging Device (ELD) to record Hours-of-Service activity.

Understanding the 11-Hour Driving Rule

One of the most common Hours-of-Service violations involves the 11-hour driving limit.

After taking at least 10 consecutive hours off duty, a property-carrying driver may drive for a maximum of 11 hours.

Once those 11 hours of driving have been used, additional driving is not permitted until another qualifying off-duty period has been completed.

Common 11-Hour Rule Violations

Drivers may violate this rule by:

  • Continuing to drive after reaching 11 hours

  • Miscalculating available driving time

  • Failing to monitor ELD warnings

  • Delaying trips due to poor route planning

Careful trip planning and regular log reviews can help prevent these violations.

Understanding the 14-Hour Rule

Another frequently cited violation involves the 14-hour rule.

Once a driver comes on duty after taking the required off-duty period, a 14-hour window begins.

Within that 14-hour period, the driver may:

  • Drive

  • Perform inspections

  • Load or unload freight

  • Fuel the vehicle

  • Complete paperwork

  • Perform other on-duty tasks

After the 14-hour window expires, no additional driving is allowed—even if the driver has not yet reached the 11-hour driving limit.

Common 14-Hour Rule Violations

These often occur when drivers:

  • Spend excessive time waiting at shippers or receivers

  • Experience unexpected delays

  • Continue driving after the 14-hour window closes

  • Fail to properly manage on-duty time

Managing appointments and communicating delays can help reduce these violations.

Understanding the 60/70-Hour Limits

Hours-of-Service compliance extends beyond a single workday.

The FMCSA also limits the total number of on-duty hours accumulated over multiple days.

Generally:

  • Drivers working for carriers operating 6 days a week may not drive after 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days.

  • Drivers working for carriers operating 7 days a week may not drive after 70 hours on duty in 8 consecutive days.

Drivers may regain available hours as older on-duty time drops off the rolling calculation.

Common Violations

Problems often arise when carriers fail to:

  • Monitor cumulative hours

  • Track multiple trips accurately

  • Review ELD reports regularly

  • Plan schedules around available hours

Download Our Free HOS Compliance Checklist

Stay organized with a free checklist covering:

  • Daily Hours-of-Service reviews

  • Driving and on-duty limits

  • Break requirements

  • Sleeper berth compliance

  • ELD log verification

  • Supporting document reminders

  • Recordkeeping best practices

A simple checklist can help prevent common Hours-of-Service violations before they become costly problems.

Stay HOS Compliant

Understanding the rules is only the first step. Building a routine for reviewing logs and monitoring available hours is essential for long-term compliance.

Sleeper Berth Rules

Drivers using a sleeper berth have additional flexibility under FMCSA regulations, but those rules must be followed carefully.

Eligible drivers may split their required off-duty time into qualifying periods under specific conditions.

Because sleeper berth calculations can be complicated, drivers should understand:

  • Qualifying split periods

  • How the split affects the driving window

  • Required off-duty combinations

  • ELD calculations

Improper use of sleeper berth provisions can easily result in Hours-of-Service violations.

Logbook Errors

Not every violation involves exceeding driving limits.

Simple logbook mistakes can also create compliance problems.

Common log errors include:

  • Incorrect duty status

  • Missing log certifications

  • Unassigned driving events

  • Missing annotations

  • Incorrect edits

  • Failing to review logs daily

Even though ELDs automate much of the recordkeeping process, drivers remain responsible for ensuring their records are accurate.

ELD Violations and Hours-of-Service

Electronic Logging Devices make Hours-of-Service compliance easier, but they do not eliminate violations.

Common ELD-related issues include:

  • Failure to transfer logs during inspections

  • Unassigned driving time

  • Log falsification

  • Incorrect use of Personal Conveyance

  • Improper Yard Move status

  • Failure to report ELD malfunctions

  • Missing supporting documents

Regular ELD reviews help identify small issues before they develop into larger compliance concerns.

How Hours-of-Service Violations Trigger DOT Audits

Repeated Hours-of-Service violations are one of the most common reasons carriers receive increased FMCSA attention.

Potential audit triggers include:

Repeated Roadside Violations

Multiple HOS citations during roadside inspections can indicate ongoing compliance issues.

Poor CSA Scores

Hours-of-Service violations directly affect the Hours-of-Service Compliance BASIC within the CSA program.

Higher CSA scores often lead to:

  • Increased roadside inspections

  • FMCSA interventions

  • Compliance reviews

  • Higher insurance costs

Inaccurate Records

Investigators compare ELD data with:

  • Fuel receipts

  • Bills of lading

  • Dispatch records

  • Toll receipts

  • GPS information

Discrepancies between records may result in additional scrutiny.

Driver Complaints

Complaints involving log manipulation or excessive driving may also trigger investigations.

Preparing for audits before they happen is one of the most effective ways to protect your business.

Best Practices for Staying HOS Compliant

Preventing Hours-of-Service violations requires more than understanding the rules.

Successful carriers develop systems that promote compliance every day.

Review Logs Daily

Identify errors while they are still easy to correct.

Monitor Available Hours

Avoid scheduling loads that exceed legal driving limits.

Keep Supporting Documents Organized

Maintain fuel receipts, bills of lading, dispatch records, and other documentation that supports ELD records.

Train Drivers Regularly

Review Hours-of-Service regulations, ELD procedures, sleeper berth rules, and company policies on an ongoing basis.

Conduct Internal Compliance Reviews

Routine reviews can identify trends before they become audit findings.

Why Professional Compliance Management Matters

Managing Hours-of-Service compliance requires ongoing attention—not just during roadside inspections or DOT audits.

Many owner-operators and small fleets choose professional compliance support because it helps:

  • Reduce Hours-of-Service violations

  • Improve CSA scores

  • Organize records

  • Prepare for audits

  • Save valuable time

At A Plus Compliance Group, we proudly serve as The Carrier Advocate.

Our team helps trucking companies monitor compliance, review records, prepare for audits, and build systems that keep operations running smoothly.

You Drive. We Do the Paperwork.

Need Help Staying HOS Compliant?

Whether you're struggling with Hours-of-Service management, preparing for a DOT audit, or simply looking for peace of mind, A Plus Compliance Group is here to help.

Book Your Free Compliance Consultation

Let our compliance specialists help you protect your authority, improve your CSA scores, and keep your business moving forward.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are Hours-of-Service violations?

Hours-of-Service violations occur when a commercial driver exceeds FMCSA driving or on-duty limits, fails to take required breaks, or does not properly maintain Hours-of-Service records.

What is the 11-hour driving rule?

After taking at least 10 consecutive hours off duty, most property-carrying drivers may drive for up to 11 hours before another qualifying off-duty period is required.

What is the 14-hour rule?

The 14-hour rule limits the amount of time a driver may drive after coming on duty. Once the 14-hour window expires, no additional driving is permitted until the required off-duty period has been completed.

What are the 60/70-hour limits?

Drivers may not drive after accumulating 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days or 70 hours on duty in 8 consecutive days, depending on the carrier's operating schedule.

Can ELD violations lead to Hours-of-Service violations?

Yes. Inaccurate ELD records, unassigned driving time, missing certifications, improper use of Personal Conveyance or Yard Move, and logbook errors can all contribute to Hours-of-Service violations.

Do Hours-of-Service violations affect CSA scores?

Yes. HOS violations impact the Hours-of-Service Compliance BASIC within the CSA Safety Measurement System. Repeated violations can increase FMCSA scrutiny, roadside inspections, and the likelihood of a DOT audit.

How can I avoid Hours-of-Service violations?

The best way to reduce HOS violations is to review logs daily, understand FMCSA regulations, maintain accurate ELD records, keep supporting documents organized, and monitor available driving hours before accepting loads.

Can A Plus Compliance Group help with Hours-of-Service compliance?

Absolutely. A Plus Compliance Group helps owner-operators and trucking companies monitor Hours-of-Service compliance, organize records, prepare for DOT audits, and reduce the risk of costly FMCSA violations.

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