Hours of Service and ELD Rules for New Carriers

Last updated: October 20, 2026 · Sources: 49 CFR 395.1, 395.3, 395.8, 395.22, 385.321

Quick answer: Property-carrying drivers need 10 hours off before driving, can drive 11 hours within a 14-hour window, need a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving, and are capped at 60 hours in 7 days or 70 in 8 (49 CFR 395.3). Most interstate drivers must log on a registered ELD unless an exception applies (395.8(a)(1)). Keep logs and supporting documents 6 months (395.8(k)).

The basic limits (property carriers)

Rule	Limit
Off duty before driving	10 consecutive hours off duty
Driving window	No driving after the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
Driving time	11 hours within that 14-hour window
Break	A 30-minute interruption of driving after 8 hours of driving (off duty, sleeper berth or on duty not driving)
Weekly	60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days, depending on whether the carrier operates every day. A 34-hour restart is available

Source: 49 CFR 395.3. Sleeper-berth splits, adverse driving conditions and other exceptions are in 395.1. Read them before you rely on them.

Do you need an ELD?

Carriers must require drivers to record duty status with an ELD unless an exception applies (395.8(a)(1)). The main exceptions: - drivers who need a paper record of duty status on 8 days or fewer in any 30-day period; - certain driveaway-towaway operations; - vehicles manufactured before model year 2000, as shown by the VIN (395.8(a)(1)(ii)); - short-haul drivers who stay within 150 air miles, return and are released within 14 hours, and have 10 hours off between shifts. The carrier keeps 6 months of time records (395.1(e)(1)).

ELD checklist

• ☐ The device is on FMCSA's registered ELD list (eld.fmcsa.dot.gov). FMCSA removes non-compliant devices from time to time, so re-check the list every quarter.
• ☐ The in-cab packet has a data-transfer instruction sheet, a malfunction instruction sheet, and blank paper log grids for at least 8 days (395.22(h)).
• ☐ Drivers know how to transfer logs to an officer and how to handle a malfunction.
• ☐ Logs and supporting documents are kept 6 months (395.8(k)), plus a back-up copy of ELD records on a separate device for 6 months (395.22(i)).
• ☐ A weekly log review for form-and-manner errors, unassigned driving time, edits, and 11/14/30-minute/60-70 violations.

Audit risk

Failing to require drivers to make a record of duty status is an automatic failure at the new entrant safety audit when it shows up in 51% or more of examined records (385.321). See the safety audit checklist.

Keep the whole setup in one place

The Carrier Launch Kit New Authority: First 90 Days kit includes an hours-of-service section, a log-review routine and the full audit prep, with trackers in the Excel workbook. Get the kit → · Free First 30 Days Checklist

FAQ

How many hours can a truck driver drive in a day? Up to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour window, after 10 consecutive hours off duty (49 CFR 395.3).

When is the 30-minute break required? After 8 hours of driving. It can be off duty, sleeper berth or on duty not driving.

Does a pre-2000 truck need an ELD? Vehicles manufactured before model year 2000, as shown by the VIN, are excepted from the ELD requirement (395.8(a)(1)(ii)). Drivers still keep a record of duty status unless another exception applies.

How long do I keep logs? Records of duty status and supporting documents for 6 months (395.8(k)).

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Educational only, not legal advice. Carrier Launch Kit is not affiliated with FMCSA or USDOT. Check the current rule in the eCFR.

Educational only, not legal advice. Affiliate disclosure.