Driver Hours of Service Restrictions
U.S.
Department of Transportation (DOT) regulations require drivers to refrain from
driving for excessive periods of time by restricting the hours of service
during which a driver may operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV).
Who Must Comply?
Most
drivers must follow the hours of service regulations if they drive a 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
- Has a
gross vehicle weight rating or gross combination weight rating of 10,001 pounds
or more
- Is
designed or used to transport 16 or more passengers (including the driver) not
for compensation
- Is
designed or used to transport 9 or more passengers (including the driver) for
compensation
- Is
transporting hazardous materials in a quantity requiring placards