What is HOS compliance 2024?

As a domain expert in transportation regulations, I am well-versed in the intricacies of compliance standards that govern the operation of commercial motor vehicles, or CMVs.
Hours of Service, commonly referred to as HOS compliance, is a set of rules established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) in the United States to regulate the working hours of drivers operating CMVs. These regulations are designed to prevent driver fatigue, which is a significant factor in many accidents involving large trucks and buses.

The HOS regulations apply to most drivers who operate CMVs in interstate commerce, and generally, a CMV is defined as a vehicle used in a business that:

- Weighs 10,001 pounds or more, or
- Is designed to transport 16 or more passengers, including the driver, or
- Transports hazardous materials in quantities requiring placarding.

The core components of HOS compliance include:


1. Daily Driving Limit: Drivers may not drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.

2. Maximum On-Duty Period: The total time a driver may be on duty within a 24-hour period is limited to 14 hours, following a 10-hour off-duty period.

3. Rest Breaks: While not specifically mandated by HOS, many drivers and companies incorporate rest breaks into their schedules to ensure safety and compliance.

4. 60/70-Hour Limit: For property-carrying drivers, the regulations stipulate a 60-hour on-duty limit within a 7-day period, or 70 hours on duty within an 8-day period, following a 34-hour off-duty period.

5. 34-Hour Restart: Drivers may use a 34-hour off-duty period to reset their 60/70-hour on-duty limit, provided certain conditions are met, such as two off-duty periods of at least 1 a.m. to 5 a.m. during the restart.

Compliance with these regulations is crucial for several reasons:

- Safety: Reducing the risk of accidents caused by fatigued driving.
- Legal: Avoiding penalties, fines, and license suspensions for non-compliance.
- Operational Efficiency: Ensuring that drivers are well-rested and able to operate at peak performance levels.

It is important for drivers and companies to keep accurate records of duty status (RODS), typically using an electronic logging device (ELD) or paper logs, to demonstrate compliance with HOS regulations. The use of ELDs has become mandatory as of December 18, 2017, to further ensure transparency and compliance with these critical safety standards.

Most drivers must follow the HOS Regulations if they drive a commercial motor vehicle, or CMV. In general, a CMV is a vehicle that is used as part of a business and is involved in interstate commerce and fits any of these descriptions: Weighs 10,001 pounds or more.Dec 20, 2017