The Hours-of-Service Regulations
Tired or fatigued truck driving is dangerous and yet, tragically common. Many truck drivers attempt to make challenging deadlines by pushing through fatigue and staying on the roadway long after it’s safe to do so. To deter this type of dangerous behavior, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces federal laws about the hours drivers can be on the road.
Drivers who fail to comply with hours-of-service rules can lose their license and face criminal charges and liability for the damages they cause in accidents. Commercial drivers who violate FMCSA laws can face serious repercussions. Violating hours-of-service regulations is a form of negligence, which can help you hold the truck driver and their employer accountable.
How Many Hours Can A Truck Driver Drive?
Under current FMCSA hours-of-service regulations, commercial drivers have an 11-hour driving limit. This means that they may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. There is also a 14-hour limit for drivers coming off 10 consecutive hours off duty.
Truck drivers may only drive if eight hours or less have passed since the driver’s last off-duty or sleeper-berth period of at least 30 minutes. There are even limits on the amount of driving they can do during the week. Truck drivers may not drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days. They also cannot restart their next 7/8 consecutive day period until after they have taken 34 or more consecutive hours off duty. These are complex regulations that could prove challenging to understand and navigate.
Get a Free Consultation Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in as Alabama truck accident, you need to work with a knowledgeable truck accident attorney who has a proven track record of handling complicated truck accident claims. You may be entitled to compensation for your injuries, damages and losses.
Guster Law Firm, LLC can help. Contact us today at (205) 581-9777