Meeting Hours of Service (HOS) compliance requirements is a critical responsibility for fleet managers, safety officers, and drivers across the transportation industry. Not only is HOS compliance required by law, but it also plays a major role in promoting driver safety, reducing fatigue-related accidents, and improving operational efficiency.
In this guide, we explain what HOS compliance means, why it matters, and how Motive’s compliance solutions can make HOS management easier and more effective.
What is HOS compliance?
HOS compliance means adhering to FMCSA regulations that govern how long commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers can be on duty and behind the wheel.
These rules are designed to limit driver fatigue by setting clear limits on driving time, on-duty time, and required rest periods.
In simple terms, staying compliant with HOS regulations means:
- Following driving and duty time limits
- Taking required breaks and rest periods
- Properly recording hours using electronic logging devices (ELDs)
- Being prepared for roadside inspections and audits
Failure to comply with hours-of-service rules can result in fines, being placed out of service, higher insurance costs, and reputational harm.
Key HOS regulations you need to know
HOS rules apply to most interstate commercial drivers operating vehicles that meet certain weight or passenger thresholds. Below are the main requirements:
11-hour driving limit
- Drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
14-hour on-duty limit
- Drivers can’t drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty following 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- Breaks and off-duty time during the 14 hours do not extend the 14-hour window.
30-minute driving break
- Drivers must take a 30-minute break after eight cumulative hours of driving time.
- The break can be satisfied with any non-driving period of 30 consecutive minutes (off-duty, sleeper berth, on-duty not driving).
60-/70-hour duty limit
- Drivers may not drive after 60 hours on duty more than seven consecutive days, or 70 hours over eight consecutive days.
- A driver can restart the seven- or eight-day period by taking 34 or more consecutive hours off duty.
Sleeper berth provision
- Drivers can split the required 10-hour off-duty period if one period is at least seven consecutive hours in the sleeper berth and the other is at least two consecutive hours off duty, in the sleeper berth, or a combination of the two.
Adverse driving conditions exception
- Drivers are permitted to extend the maximum driving and on-duty limits by up to two additional hours if they encounter adverse conditions that were not known at the start of the duty period.
Short-haul exemption
- Drivers operating within a 150 air-mile radius and returning to their starting point within 14 hours may qualify for an HOS exemption, reducing recordkeeping requirements.
The purpose of HOS regulations
The primary goal of HOS rules is to reduce accidents caused by driver fatigue. Fatigue is a major contributor to highway crashes, particularly in commercial trucking where long hours and tight schedules can pressure drivers to push beyond safe limits.
According to the FMCSA, HOS regulations aim to:
- Ensure drivers are adequately rested before getting behind the wheel
- Protect drivers, passengers, and the public from fatigue-related incidents
- Support a safer and more sustainable transportation industry
HOS compliance is about more than avoiding fines — it’s about protecting lives, reducing risk, and improving the health and well-being of drivers.
HOS compliance challenges
Even though HOS rules are straightforward in principle, achieving full compliance can be challenging without the right tools and systems in place. Common challenges include:
- Inaccurate or incomplete recordkeeping
- Difficulty managing driver schedules across multiple shifts and routes
- Handling exemptions and exceptions properly
- Preparing for roadside inspections and audits
Manual processes and outdated systems increase the risk of violations, especially as HOS rules evolve.
How technology simplifies HOS compliance
Modern fleet management technology makes HOS compliance easier, more accurate, and less time-consuming. Tools like electronic logging devices (ELDs) automate time tracking and help fleets stay compliant effortlessly.
With a solution like Motive’s HOS compliance software, you get:
- Automatic, tamper-resistant logging of drive and duty time
- Real-time visibility into driver status and violations
- Customizable alerts for approaching HOS limits
- Digital records that are audit and inspection ready
- Mobile apps that allow drivers to easily manage logs and certifications
Fleet managers can monitor HOS compliance across the entire operation, spot issues before they become violations, and generate reports to streamline DOT audits.
The risks of HOS non-compliance
Ignoring HOS regulations can carry serious consequences, including:
- Fines and penalties from the FMCSA
- Out-of-service orders issued during roadside inspections
- CSA score impacts, which affect insurance premiums and contract eligibility
- Reputational damage with customers and industry partners
- Increased risk of accidents leading to legal and financial liabilities
Proactive compliance is not just a legal requirement — it’s a competitive advantage.
Conclusion
HOS compliance is a critical part of running a safe, efficient, responsible fleet. It requires a clear understanding of FMCSA regulations, consistent application across drivers and vehicles, and reliable systems for tracking and reporting.
With Motive’s AI-powered platform and ELD solutions, fleet managers can simplify HOS management, reduce risk, and empower drivers to stay safe and compliant on the road.
Ready to take control of your HOS compliance?
