How does the 7/3 split rule work?

The split sleeper berth rule allows drivers to split the required 10 consecutive hours of off-duty time into two shifts in order to extend the shift. In other words, drivers can accumulate the required 10-hour off-duty period by taking two separate qualifying breaks.

For example, a driver can adjust their schedule for longer hauls by “dropping in” a break to comply with any Hours of Service drive-time limitations.

The 7/3 split allows commercial drivers to split their off-duty period into two periods of seven hours and three hours. According to the changes made in the hours-of-service rules, a driver must stay in the sleeper berth for seven consecutive hours, and then spend another three consecutive hours off duty (sleeping, eating, etc.) to fulfill the requirements of the sleeper berth. 

The two qualifying breaks can be taken in any order as long as the two periods accumulate to at least 10 hours.