The San Antonio DOT hours of service lawyers at Janicek Law represent injury victims harmed in accidents caused by drivers in violation of DOT hours of service rules. These federal and Texas-specific HOS regulations limit how long commercial motor vehicle operators can drive without rest time to reduce fatigue and prevent serious crashes. When trucking companies violate HOS rules, fail in monitoring an electronic logging device, or allow their truck drivers to exceed the 11-hour driving limit, they can be held liable. Violating DOT hours of service rules may show negligence in a lawsuit.
Call 210-366-4949 for a free consultation with a San Antonio truck accident attorney who understands fatigue-related accidents and DOT HOS violations in Bexar County personal injury claims.
Understanding DOT Hours of Service Requirements in Texas
What Are DOT Hours of Service Regulations?
Hours of Service regulations govern how long drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) can operate without rest. HOS rules are enforced by the FMCSA and the Texas Department of Public Safety, and they apply to interstate and intrastate commercial motor vehicles. HOS rules are designed to prevent driver fatigue and reduce the risk of crashes by requiring limitations on driving time and mandatory rest breaks.
Who Must Follow DOT Hours of Service Rules?
Drivers of commercial motor vehicles engaged in interstate commerce or intrastate commerce must comply with federal Hours of Service (HOS) rules if their vehicle meets certain weight, passenger, or cargo criteria. These rules are designed to prevent fatigue and are enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Commercial Motor Vehicle Carrying Over 10,000 lbs
Property-carrying drivers with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 10,000 pounds must adhere to HOS rules, including the maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty, a 14-hour on-duty window, and a required 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving.
Drivers Transporting Hazardous Materials
Truck drivers transporting hazardous materials in Texas must adhere to all standard hours of service (HOS) regulations established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA).
These hours of service (HOS) rules apply to any commercial motor vehicle carrying a quantity requiring placards under DOT guidelines. Because of the elevated risks to public safety, full HOS compliance is essential for anyone transporting hazardous materials. This includes the 11-hour driving limit, 14-hour on-duty driving window, and 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving.
Adhering to DOT hours of service rules helps improve driver safety by making sure drivers stay awake, ensuring safer handling of hazardous material, and protecting both the trucking industry and surrounding communities from avoidable harm. Failure to comply with HOS regulations may result in serious liability in the event of a crash.
Passenger Carrying Drivers (16+ Not for Compensation)
Passenger-carrying drivers with 16 or more passengers without receiving compensation must still comply with HOS rules, but may be subject to different driving and on-duty limits than property-carrying drivers. Safety remains the primary concern.
Passenger Carrying Drivers (9+ for Compensation)
Passenger-carrying drivers transporting nine or more passengers for compensation must comply with passenger-carrying HOS limits, which differ slightly from property-carrying rules and focus on ensuring adequate rest and safe driving hours.
When Federal Interstate HOS Rules Apply
These rules apply to drivers crossing state lines and include the 11-hour driving limit, 14-hour maximum on-duty window, 8-hour driving break requirement, and no driving past the 14th hour on duty. These are the most commonly enforced HOS standards.
Property-Carrying Commercial Drivers
Property-carrying drivers are subject to standard HOS rules: maximum 11 hours of driving, 14-hour on-duty limit, 30-minute break after 8 hours, and no driving beyond 14 consecutive hours after starting a shift.
70-Hour Rule and Weekly Driving Limit
Drivers may not be on duty more than 70 hours in any eight consecutive days. To reset this limit, they must take a 34-hour restart, which requires 34 consecutive hours off duty. This provision helps ensure drivers receive adequate rest between heavy driving periods.
Texas Intrastate Hours of Service Regulations
Drivers who operate only within Texas must follow state-specific intrastate HOS rules. These differ from federal rules and are regulated by the Texas Department of Public Safety to reflect unique in-state commercial demands while still addressing driver fatigue and road safety.
Texas-Specific Intrastate Rules
Intrastate drivers in Texas may drive a maximum of 12 hours after taking eight consecutive hours off-duty. They are limited to a 15-hour on-duty window per shift and must not exceed 70 hours on duty in any seven consecutive days. Once the 70-hour threshold is reached, a 34-hour off-duty restart is required before driving can resume.
Key Differences from Federal Regulations
Texas rules allow an extra hour of driving (12 hours vs. 11 hours), require two fewer hours of off-duty time (8 hours vs. 10 hours), and extend the on-duty limit to 15 hours instead of the federal 14-hour window. These differences offer more flexibility for intrastate operations while still maintaining safety standards.
Sleeper Berth Provision
The sleeper berth provision allows truck drivers to split their mandatory rest periods while using a sleeper berth in a commercial motor vehicle. Under hours of service rules, truck drivers can split their 10 consecutive hours off duty into two periods: one must be at least seven consecutive hours in the sleeper berth, and the other at least two consecutive hours off duty (or also in the sleeper). When combined, these breaks must total at least 10 hours and pause the driver’s 14-hour on-duty clock. This provision gives truck drivers flexibility to rest based on conditions like adverse driving conditions, traffic, or scheduling. However, both segments must meet specific requirements to qualify. Improper use of the sleeper berth time rule can lead to potential violations, impacting liability in trucking accidents.
Texas Requirements for Electronic Logging Devices
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are required in Texas to monitor driver hours and improve compliance with Hours of Service rules. Both interstate and intrastate drivers must follow specific ELD regulations enforced by the FMCSA and the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Federal ELD Mandate
Most commercial motor vehicles must use ELDs to automatically record driving time, on-duty hours, rest periods, engine hours, and mileage. This replaces manual paper logs and helps ensure that drivers adhere to legal limits on hours worked.
Texas ELD Compliance
Texas requires intrastate commercial drivers to use ELDs that meet federal technical specifications. This applies to vehicles manufactured after 2000. Drivers who fail to comply may face penalties or enforcement actions under state law.
Violations and Penalties in Texas
Violating HOS rules carries serious consequences for truck drivers, companies, and commercial motor vehicle operators. Both the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the Texas Department of Public Safety enforce hours of service (HOS) regulations and state-specific HOS rules to protect public safety and ensure compliance with HOS across the trucking industry. Violating HOS rules or service regulations can impact truck drivers’ and property-carrying and passenger-carrying drivers’ safety ratings, disrupt daily operations, and increase exposure to civil penalties and federal criminal penalties.
Hours of Service Violation Consequences
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces penalties when truck drivers and companies violate Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. Drivers may be fined between $1,000 and $11,000 per violation, and motor carriers can face fines of up to $16,000 for failing to monitor duty status, enforce mandatory breaks, or ensure compliance with electronic logging devices. Additional consequences include out-of-service orders, CSA point accumulation that affects the carrier’s safety rating, and increased insurance costs. Repeated HOS violations may lead to license suspension and increase the risk of personal injury claims in the event of a crash.
Texas-Specific Enforcement
The Texas Department of Public Safety issues an 8-hour out-of-service order for violations of the 12- or 15-hour limits. Enforcement includes roadside inspections, compliance audits, and penalties for falsifying log records, all aimed at promoting safer roads throughout the state.
Special Circumstances and Exemptions
Certain exemptions under Texas and federal law allow drivers to operate outside standard Hours of Service limits during emergencies or specific job functions.
Emergency Conditions and Adverse Driving Conditions
Under the Hours of Service rules, specific exceptions apply during emergency situations to maintain operational efficiency. Hurricane and severe weather exemptions permit truck drivers to exceed normal driving limitations when responding to disasters. Emergency response vehicles, such as those aiding utility service restoration or transporting relief supplies, are temporarily exempt from standard HOS rules. Agricultural transport during harvest seasons also qualifies, ensuring essential goods reach their destinations without violating HOS regulations.
Short-Haul Operations
Short-haul drivers may be eligible for exemptions under the hours of service rules. Drivers operating within a 100-mile radius (or 150-mile radius for non-CDL drivers) from their normal work reporting location can avoid using an electronic logging device if they return to that location within 12 hours. These short-haul exemptions help streamline operations for local short-haul drivers while maintaining HOS compliance.
Texas Commercial Vehicle Enforcement
Texas DPS Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division
HOS rules may be temporarily lifted during hurricanes, severe weather, and other emergencies. Exemptions apply to emergency response vehicles, utility restoration crews, and drivers transporting agricultural products during harvest season, allowing them to operate during extended hours to meet urgent needs.
Common Inspection Points in Texas
Drivers operating within a 100-mile radius (or 150 miles for non-CDL drivers) may qualify for a short-haul exemption if they return to the exact work location within 12 hours. These drivers are not required to use ELDs, simplifying compliance for local operations.
Record Keeping Requirements
Both drivers and motor carriers must follow strict documentation rules to comply with Texas and federal Hours of Service regulations. Proper recordkeeping helps ensure accountability and avoids penalties during inspections or audits.
Driver Duty Status Records
Drivers must carry 7 days of duty status records and maintain supporting documents for the past 8 days. ELDs must store data in accordance with federal retention rules, and paper backups are required in the event of device failure.
Motor Carrier Responsibilities
Motor carriers must keep driver qualification files, monitor HOS records, document company policies and procedures, and ensure all drivers receive proper training and compliance oversight to meet regulatory standards.
Legal Implications and Liability for HOS Compliance Failures
Failing to comply with Hours of Service regulations can create serious legal consequences for both drivers and trucking companies. Violations often play a central role in determining liability after a crash and may expose carriers to extensive civil litigation.
Accident Liability and HOS Violations
Trucking accidents linked to HOS violations can result in increased liability, especially if fatigue or excessive driving hours are involved. Insurers may reduce or deny coverage if rules were broken. Carriers may also face negligent hiring or retention claims and corporate liability if there’s evidence of systematic noncompliance.
Working with Texas Trucking Attorneys
A San Antonio truck accident lawyer can help injured victims investigate whether Hours of Service violations contributed to a crash. Legal teams gather ELD data, uncover compliance failures, and pursue claims against all liable parties, including trucking companies with unsafe driving practices. This support is critical for securing full compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and long-term suffering.
Resources and Additional Information
Commercial drivers and motor carriers can access various tools and official guidance to ensure they’re staying compliant with Hours of Service rules in Texas and nationwide. They can help answer questions, such as who is liable in a truck accident in Texas.
Texas Department of Public Safety Resources
- Texas Motor Carrier’s Guide to Highway Safety – official DPS manual covering Texas and federal safety rules
- DPS Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division – enforcement contacts, procedures, and compliance resources
Federal and Industry Resources
- FMCSA Hours of Service Overview – federal HOS regulations and exemptions
- FMCSA Guidance Portal – searchable interpretations of federal trucking rules
- Interstate Truck Driver’s HOS Guide – downloadable guide with examples and rule breakdowns
These official sources help ensure compliance and provide documentation to support investigations in truck accident cases.
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