“How long can I legally drive?” — it’s a question every trucker asks, and one every fleet manager must know the answer to. The Hours of Service (HOS) rules, set by the FMCSA, are designed to reduce fatigue, prevent accidents, and improve safety on the roads.
But in 2025, with changing regulations, electronic logging, and growing pressure for on-time delivery, staying compliant has never been more important — or more complicated. This guide explains everything you need to know about driving limits, rest requirements, and how to stay on top of them all using tools like Ezlogz.
How Many Hours Can a Truck Driver Drive Legally?
The 11-Hour Rule (Driving Limit)
Truck drivers are permitted to drive for up to 11 hours following 10 consecutive hours off-duty.
This is the maximum allowable driving time before mandatory rest is required. Operating beyond this limit constitutes a violation of federal regulations — and is closely monitored by ELDs, such as those included in the Ezlogz all-in-one compliance platform.
The 14-Hour Rule (On-Duty Window)
Drivers have a 14-hour on-duty window in which to complete their driving for the day. This window starts the moment a driver goes on duty, not when driving begins.
For example, if a driver spends 3 hours at a loading dock and then drives for 11 hours, they’ve reached the 14-hour limit. No further driving is permitted after this window closes — even if the 11-hour driving maximum hasn’t been reached.
Ezlogz provides a real-time dashboard that tracks available duty hours, helping prevent unintentional violations.
The 30-Minute Break Rule
After 8 cumulative hours of driving, drivers must take a 30-minute break, which can be either off-duty or in the sleeper berth. This break is mandatory and cannot be skipped, even if you’re only a few miles from your destination.
Ezlogz supports this requirement with automated mobile alerts that notify drivers when a break is due, minimizing the risk of non-compliance and associated penalties.
The 70-Hour/8-Day Rule (Weekly Limit)
Drivers are also restricted by cumulative weekly duty limits:
- 60 hours in 7 consecutive days (if the carrier does not operate every day);
- 70 hours in 8 consecutive days (if the carrier operates daily).
Once this threshold is reached, drivers must go off-duty until enough off-duty hours have been accumulated to continue legally. The Ezlogz ELD system automatically tracks and calculates these rolling limits in the background, eliminating the need for manual record keeping.
What About Restarts?
Drivers can reset their 60-hour/7-day or 70-hour/8-day duty limits by taking 34 consecutive hours off-duty. This restart provides a clean slate for the driver’s weekly hours, but may only be used once every 168 hours (7 days). Ezlogz simplifies this process by automatically tracking and applying restarts, ensuring drivers remain compliant without manual calculations and guesswork.
Sleeper Berth Provision: Can You Split Off-Duty Time?
Yes, the FMCSA permits drivers to split their required 10-hour rest period into two separate segments under the split-sleeper berth provision. To qualify, one segment must be at least 7 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth, and the other must be at least 2 consecutive hours off-duty or in the sleeper berth.
While this option offers greater flexibility, calculating the proper time windows manually can be complex. A single error can result in a violation. Ezlogz eliminates the guesswork with automated split-shift tracking and visual duty timelines, allowing drivers to manage rest periods accurately and stay focused on driving safely and legally.
What Happens If a Driver Goes Over Hours?
Violating Hours of Service (HOS) regulations can lead to serious consequences, including:
- FMCSA violations and fines;
- Out-of-service orders during roadside inspections;
- Damage to your company’s CSA score;
- Increased legal liability in case of accidents,
That’s why thousands of fleets rely on Ezlogz to monitor hours, alert drivers in real-time, and generate fully compliant logs for inspections. Check out our solution here.
Why Accurate HOS Tracking Matters More Than Ever in 2025
Compliance is more than a checkbox in your routine. It’s a must-have to prevent legal issues and ensure your fleet works as intended. HOS tracking is essential because:
- FMCSA is conducting more electronic audits;
- Cross-border regulations (especially in Canada) are stricter than ever;
- Insurance carriers are checking CSA safety records before underwriting;
- Driver shortage = tighter schedules = more fatigue risks.
With Ezlogz.com, you don’t just meet the minimum — you build a safer, smarter, more efficient fleet operation. It’s your perfect tool to prevent fines and ensure the safety of your drivers.
How Ezlogz Helps You Stay Compliant Automatically
Ezlogz offers a comprehensive suite of tools to simplify compliance and reduce administrative duties:
- Real-time visibility into driving hours for drivers and fleet managers;
- FMCSA-certified ELD system with Canadian-compliant configurations;
- Automated tracking of restarts, breaks, and split-sleeper provisions;
- Driver app with reminders and alerts;
- Live dispatch dashboard for fleet managers;
- Instant log export for DOT inspections.
In addition, Ezlogz seamlessly integrates with IFTA reporting, DVIR, GPS tracking, and other mission-critical systems — delivering a complete logistics and compliance platform.
Don’t Leave HOS Compliance to Chance — Let Ezlogz Handle It for You
If you’ve ever worried about missing a break, driving a few minutes too long, or getting hit with a violation at the worst possible time — Ezlogz is your answer.
Whether you’re an owner-operator or running a 200-truck fleet, Ezlogz gives you:
- 100% FMCSA-compliant logging;
- Automated HOS tracking and alerts;
- Seamless mobile + desktop experience;
- Dedicated support and onboarding;
- Powerful tools to protect your CSA score.
Learn more about our offer and get a free trial today. You’ll get all the app’s capabilities to test in your fleet. It’s the best choice because Ezlogz keeps you on time, every time.
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