What is the maximum number of hours a driver can work in an 8-day period under federal regulations?

The maximum number of hours a driver can work in an 8-day period under federal regulations is 70 hours. This regulation is in place to ensure that drivers have adequate rest and do not drive while fatigued, which significantly enhances road safety.

The Hours of Service (HOS) rules established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) stipulate that a driver cannot exceed 70 hours of on-duty time in any 8 consecutive days. This limit helps manage the driver’s cumulative fatigue over the workweek, effectively requiring them to take breaks or reset their hours to maintain a standard of safety for themselves and others on the road.

Drivers can restart their work week once they have taken 34 consecutive hours off duty, thereby resetting their 70-hour count. This structure of limitations is crucial for ensuring that drivers do not compromise their alertness and performance while behind the wheel.