HOS (Hours of Service) – 2025 Guide

Hours of Service (HOS) are a big deal in the trucking industry today. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces these rules to make sure drivers stay safe and alert on the road by limiting the amount of time driving and resting.

With HOS violations penalties up to $21,780, understanding and following these rules is crucial for every truck driver and fleet operator.

Top HOS Rules You Need to Know

Here are the top HOS rules truck drivers need to know about the current rules:

• You can drive for up to 11 hours after 10 hours off duty.
• You have a 14 hour window for all driving activities once you start your day.
• If you drive more than 8 hours you need a 30 minute break. This break can be taken as on-duty (not driving) or off-duty.
• Weekly limits: 60/70 hours in 7/8 consecutive days.
• The 34 hour restart allows you to reset your weekly hours after 34 hours off duty as long as it includes two 1-5 AM periods.

Sleeper Berth Rules

The sleeper berth provision allows drivers to take breaks in different ways:

• Take 7 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth.
• Take a 3 hour break (either in the sleeper berth or off-duty).
• These breaks do not count against your 14 hour window so they’re great for long haul schedules.

This replaces the old 8/2 split, giving drivers more flexibility while staying compliant.

Other Break Rules and Exceptions

There are some exceptions to the standard HOS rules:

• Short haul drivers who operate within a 150 air mile radius and return to the same location do not need ELDs or detailed records of duty status.
• If bad weather delays travel drivers can add 2 hours to their drive time.
• Most drivers must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to track their hours and stay compliant.

Why These Rules Matter?

Road safety is everyone’s top priority in trucking. HOS rules prevent accidents caused by driver fatigue. Not following them can result in:

• Big fines up to $21,780 per violation.
• Being taken out of service, stopping your operations until the issue is fixed.
• Damage to your carrier’s safety rating, higher insurance costs and more inspections.

Regulations change often based on industry needs, safety research and technology advancements. Staying compliant keeps operations running smoothly and avoids disruptions.

HOS Changes in 2025 That Impact Trucking

Several rules are changing in 2025 and truckers need to be prepared:

• 30 minute break rule change – The break must be taken after 8 hours of driving, not 8 on-duty hours.
• Updated split-sleeper provision – The 7/3 split allows drivers to manage rest periods without affecting the 14 hour driving window.
• ELD Compliance Update – The FMCSA is removing non-compliant ELDs from the approved list and fleets must replace them within 60 days.

These changes are to help truckers manage their time more efficiently while safety remains the top priority.

How to Stay HOS Compliant?

Follow these best practices to avoid violations:

Regular Compliance Checks

• Set up a regular inspection schedule to ensure ELDs are working.
• Do daily log reviews to catch errors before an inspection.
• Train drivers on proper logging procedures and rule changes.

Use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) Correctly

• Ensure ELDs are FMCSA approved and mounted correctly in the cab.
• Keep a backup copy of all HOS logs for at least 6 months.
• Schedule regular software updates to stay compliant with FMCSA rules.

Plan Your Routes to Avoid Violations

• Use dispatching tools to schedule breaks efficiently.
• Account for delays, bad weather and unexpected traffic to stay under HOS limits.
• Identify short-haul exemptions and ensure drivers meet the return-to-base requirement.

How Telematics and Fleet Management Technology Helps with HOS Compliance?

Fleets that use advanced telematics can reduce HOS violations by:

• Tracking hours of service in real-time to prevent overages.
• Sending automated alerts when a break is due.
• Integrating ELD data with dispatch and fleet management software.
• Monitoring driver behavior to reduce bad habits.

Technology makes compliance easier and reduces the risk of big fines.

HOS rules are to keep drivers safe and prevent fatigue related accidents. The 2025 changes give more flexibility but truckers still must follow the rules to avoid fines, service interruptions and compliance headaches.