Canada’s trucking industry operates under some of the most comprehensive regulations in the world, with an emphasis on safety, efficiency, and sustainability. At the heart of these regulations are Canada’s ELD Mandates, which are designed to combat driver fatigue, reduce accidents, and maintain smooth operations for the industry.

For any commercial driver operating within Canada, a clear understanding of the Canada HOS rules is essential to ensure compliance and avoid penalties. This guide dives into the most critical aspects of hours of service Canada rules, including the requirements, exemptions, and tips for compliance in 2025.

What are Canada hours-of-service rules?

The Canada Hours of Service regulations are federal rules that govern the maximum number of hours a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) driver can operate within a given timeframe. These regulations also mandate specific rest periods to ensure drivers remain alert and safe while on the road.

Studies show that driver fatigue contributes to approximately 20% of fatal collisions in Canada, costing the country billions annually in health care and lost productivity. By enforcing HOS rules, Transport Canada aims to minimize these risks while improving road safety and protecting the livelihoods of commercial drivers.

Canada HOS and the ELD mandate

Since January 1, 2023, the Canada electronic logging device (ELD) mandate has been in full effect. These devices replace traditional paper logs and manual recording systems, ensuring more accurate tracking of driving hours and simplifying compliance with Canada HOS rules.

Certified ELDs offer several advantages:

  • Automation: Reduces errors and saves time for drivers and carriers.
  • Real-Time Monitoring: Allows fleet managers to track driver status and identify potential violations.
  • Environmental Benefits: Eliminates the need for paper logs.

Carriers and drivers must use certified ELDs that meet the technical standards set by the Canadian Council of Motor Transport Administrators (CCMTA).

Who must comply with Canada hours-of-service rules?

The Canada HOS regulations apply to most commercial drivers operating within Canada, including those crossing international borders. However, certain vehicles and operations are exempt, including:

  • Primary Produce Transport: Vehicles with two or three axles delivering goods like farm produce, fish, or forest products, provided the driver is the producer.
  • Emergency Vehicles: Used for police, fire, and ambulance services.
  • Public Welfare Emergencies: Vehicles providing relief during disasters or emergencies as defined under the Emergencies Act.

Despite these exemptions, most carriers and drivers must adhere strictly to the regulations to avoid fines and ensure road safety.

Key hours-of-service Canada rules

1. Daily Driving Limits:

  • Drivers cannot drive for more than 13 hours within a single day.
  • At least 8 consecutive hours of off-duty time must be taken before driving again.

2. On-Duty Limitations:

  • Drivers are limited to 14 hours of total on-duty time (including driving and non-driving activities) in a single day.
  • After 14 hours, they must log off-duty time before resuming work.

3. Off-Duty Requirements:

  • A minimum of 10 off-duty hours must be logged within each 24-hour period.
  • This includes 8 consecutive hours plus at least 2 additional hours, which can be split into increments of 30 minutes or more.

4. Duty Cycles:

  • Cycle 1: Drivers may not exceed 70 hours on duty in any 7-day period.
  • Cycle 2: Drivers may not exceed 120 hours on duty in any 14-day period. Drivers must take at least 24 consecutive hours off-duty before accumulating 70 hours under this cycle.

5. Split Sleeper Berth Rules:

  • Drivers may split their mandatory rest periods into two sleeper berth periods, provided neither is less than 2 hours and both total at least 10 hours.

Special provisions for northern Canada (north of Latitude 60°N)

The Canada HOS rules include unique provisions for drivers operating in northern territories, such as Yukon, Nunavut, and the Northwest Territories, where conditions are harsher, and distances are greater:

  • Driving Limit: Increased to 15 hours per shift.
  • On-Duty Limit: Extended to 18 hours per shift.
  • Shift Limit: Drivers may work up to 20 hours, provided they take 8 consecutive hours off-duty afterward.

These adjustments recognize the challenges of driving in remote regions and ensure operational flexibility without compromising safety.

Canadian hours-of-service exemptions

Deferral of Off-Duty Time

Drivers may defer up to 2 hours of their required off-duty time to the following day under specific conditions:

  • No more than 13 hours of driving or 14 hours of on-duty time are logged on Day 1.
  • Deferred time is added to the mandatory off-duty hours on Day 2.

Emergency Conditions

Drivers may exceed the maximum driving and on-duty limits during emergencies, such as severe weather or natural disasters, provided it is safe to do so.

The role of paper logs and ELDs

Although the Canada ELD mandate has largely replaced paper logs, drivers must still maintain paper logs as backups in case of ELD malfunctions. These logs must include:

  • Date and start time of the duty cycle.
  • Duty status changes, including location and duration.
  • Total driving and on-duty hours for the day.

Why compliance with Canada HOS rules matters

Non-compliance with Canada HOS rules can lead to:

  • Fines and Penalties: Both drivers and carriers face steep fines for violations.
  • Out-of-Service Orders: Drivers exceeding HOS limits may be declared out of service.
  • Increased Accident Risk: Fatigued drivers are more likely to cause accidents, jeopardizing lives and cargo.

Tips for simplifying HOS compliance

  1. Use Certified ELDs: Ensure all devices meet Transport Canada’s certification standards.
  2. Train Drivers Regularly: Keep your team informed about rule changes and compliance best practices.
  3. Automate Compliance Tracking: Use fleet management software like Motive to monitor HOS, identify violations, and maintain accurate records.
  4. Plan Routes Wisely: Avoid delays and maximize efficiency by scheduling breaks and driving times strategically.

Streamline Canada hours-of-service compliance with Motive

Navigating the complexities of hours of service Canada rules doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Motive’s comprehensive fleet compliance solutions simplify HOS tracking, help prevent violations, and improve overall fleet performance.

With Motive, you get:

  • Real-Time HOS Monitoring: Track driver hours and receive alerts for potential violations.
  • Customizable Logs and Reports: Generate accurate, audit-ready logs with ease.
  • Integrated Fleet Management: Combine HOS compliance with maintenance, fleet safety, and fleet telematics.

More than 90,000 companies and 1 million drivers trust Motive to keep their fleets compliant and efficient.

Request a demo today to learn how Motive can transform your fleet operations.