Hours-of-service limits are a favorite on the CDL general knowledge test and on every roadside inspection. This is 49 CFR 395.3 for property-carrying drivers, number by number.
The daily limits
| Rule | What it says |
|---|---|
| 10 hours off | You may not drive without first taking 10 consecutive hours off duty. |
| 14-hour window | You may not drive after 14 consecutive hours after coming on duty following 10 consecutive hours off duty. |
| 11 hours of driving | You may drive a total of 11 hours during that 14-hour period. |
| 30-minute break | Driving is not allowed if more than 8 hours of driving time have passed without a consecutive 30-minute interruption in driving status. Off-duty, sleeper-berth or on-duty-not-driving time all count, alone or combined. (Drivers using the short-haul exceptions are not covered by this break rule.) |
The weekly limits
- 60 hours on duty in any 7 consecutive days, if your carrier does not operate CMVs every day of the week.
- 70 hours on duty in any 8 consecutive days, if your carrier operates CMVs every day of the week.
- A 7- or 8-day period can end when you start an off-duty period of 34 or more consecutive hours (the “34-hour restart”).
Memory trick
10 – 14 – 11 – 8/30. 10 off, a 14-hour clock, 11 driving, a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving. Then 60/70 for the week.
Scope
This article covers the rule for property-carrying vehicles. Passenger-carrying drivers have their own limits, and exceptions exist (for example short-haul). Confirm what applies to your operation.
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Official sources
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Facts checked against the official text of 49 CFR (eCFR) as current on October 15, 2026. Rules change and each state adds its own: confirm with your DMV and the FMCSA. PassYourCDL is an independent study site, not affiliated with the FMCSA, the DOT or any DMV, and this is not legal advice.