Information

Minnesota Truck Driver Hours

Commercial truck drivers are one of the few workers in the United States that are regulated federally with respect to the number of hours they can work on a daily/weekly basis. These truck laws are called hours of service regulations, and are intended to provide truck drivers with a chance to obtain sleep and reduce the risk of drivers operating semitrucks while drowsy, tired or fatigued.

According to the Department of Transportation, most commercial vehicle truck accidents occur as a result of human error, which is often a factor of inattention or failure to be vigilant. Studies have revealed that human error is often the result of tiredness or fatigue, caused by poor sleep or poor sleep amounts. Alcohol and Drug Testing is also often done to prevent related accidents.

The current driver hours of service regulations per instate truck drivers are contained at 49 C.F.R. S395. The hours of service regulations found there apply to all motor vehicle carriers and drivers that operate commercial motor vehicles on highways in interstate commerce.

The limitations in driving time include the fact that drivers are prohibited from driving a commercial motor vehicle for more than 11 cumulative hours, following 10 consecutive hours off duty. Additionally, drivers are prohibited from operating a commercial motor vehicle after the end of the 14th hour after the driver originally comes on duty following any 10 consecutive hours off duty periods. For example, a driver who comes on duty and works 10 hours at a semitruck loading dock during the day has only four additional hours of driving time left under the 14 hour work restriction.

In addition to day/hours of service limitations, Federal Regulations also restrict drivers from operating semitrucks after having worked a certain number of hours each week. For drivers who work seven days a week, the Federal Regulations provide that the driver cannot drive a semitruck after having been on duty or driving for 70 hours in any eight consecutive day period. Similarly, drivers who are not subject to the seven day work week are restricted from driving a commercial motor vehicle after having been on duty 60 hours in any seven consecutive day's period. A driver 60/70 hour weekly clock starts over once the driver has accumulated 34 consecutive hours off duty.

There are different hours of service limitations for drivers of passenger carrying vehicles such as buses and limousines.

All hours of the CDLtruck driver's day must be logged in the driver's log book unless they are exempt. Federal law does exempt drivers from log keeping requirements if they operate within a 100 mile radius of their normal work location. There are certain requirements to meet if this is the case.

Penalties for violating the hours of service, in many cases, it is the employer or truck company, rather than the driver that is assessed penalties by Federal law. The maximum civil penalties set forth under Federal law are limited to $11,000 for each violation. Violations of record keeping requirements, such as log keeping books are subject to a penalty of $550 for each day the violation continues up to $5,500 in total.

For more information on logbook requirements visit the Driver Regulation page or contact our Minnesota Truck Accident Lawyer today.