Ensure compliance and manage your driving time effectively with our comprehensive DOT Hours of Service calculator.
Enter the total hours you've already driven today.
Enter the total hours you've been on duty (driving, loading, inspecting, etc.).
Enter the total hours you've spent off-duty resting.
Enter hours spent in the sleeper berth.
8-Day (Short-Haul Exception or specific states)
60-Hour/7-Day or 70-Hour/8-Day
Select your applicable Hours of Service cycle.
Your Hours of Service Summary
Remaining Driving Time: —
Remaining On-Duty Time: — (based on 14-hour rule)
Time Until Next Available Driving Slot: —
Total Driving Time Used: —
Total On-Duty Time Used: —
How it's calculated:
Remaining Driving Time is typically capped by the 11-hour driving limit within a 14-hour on-duty window. Remaining On-Duty Time is calculated based on the 14-hour rule. Time Until Next Available Driving Slot depends on reaching the required off-duty/sleeper berth time (e.g., 10 consecutive hours off for the 11-hour rule, or completing the cycle for the 60/70-hour rule).
Hours of Service Compliance Chart
Visualizing your daily driving and on-duty limits.
Hours of Service Breakdown Table
Category
Time Used (Hours)
Limit (Hours)
Remaining (Hours)
Driving Time
—
11
—
On-Duty Time (within 14-hr window)
—
14
—
Consecutive Off-Duty/Sleeper Berth
—
10 (minimum for reset)
—
60/70-Hour Cycle Limit
—
—
—
Understanding DOT Hours of Service
Navigate the complexities of commercial driving regulations with our in-depth guide and powerful calculator.
What is DOT Hours of Service?
DOT Hours of Service (HOS) are federal regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) designed to prevent driver fatigue and improve road safety for commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers. These rules dictate the maximum amount of time a driver can be on duty and driving within a specific period. Adhering to these DOT Hours of Service regulations is crucial for all commercial drivers operating across state lines, ensuring they get adequate rest and avoid dangerous levels of fatigue.
Who should use the DOT Hours of Service Calculator?
Any commercial driver subject to FMCSA regulations, including truck drivers, bus drivers, and hazardous materials transporters, should understand and utilize these rules. Fleet managers, dispatchers, and owner-operators also benefit greatly from using a reliable DOT Hours of Service calculator to plan routes, schedule deliveries, and ensure their drivers remain compliant.
Common Misconceptions about DOT Hours of Service:
"My 14-hour clock resets after 10 hours off." While 10 consecutive hours off duty resets your 11-hour driving and 14-hour on-duty clocks for the *next* day, it doesn't erase the time used *within* the current 14-hour window.
"I can drive 11 hours straight if I want." The 11-hour driving limit must be taken within a 14-hour on-duty window, and you must take 10 consecutive hours off duty before starting a new 14-hour period.
"The 60/70-hour rule is the only rule." While the 60-hour/7-day and 70-hour/8-day limits are common, drivers must also comply with the 11-hour driving and 14-hour on-duty rules daily. Short-haul exceptions also exist.
"All off-duty time counts the same." Only 10 *consecutive* hours off duty (or sleeper berth time totaling 10 hours) fully resets the daily clocks. Split rest periods have specific requirements.
DOT Hours of Service Formula and Mathematical Explanation
The core of DOT Hours of Service compliance revolves around several key limits. Our calculator simplifies these by calculating remaining time based on inputs. Here's a breakdown of the fundamental rules and how they relate:
The 11-Hour Driving Limit
A driver may drive a maximum of 11 hours after having at least 10 consecutive hours off duty.
The 14-Hour On-Duty Limit
A driver may not drive past the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty. This 14-hour period includes all on-duty time (driving, loading, fueling, inspections, etc.) and off-duty time *except* for 10 consecutive hours off duty or sleeper berth time. Once a driver exceeds 14 hours on duty, they cannot drive again until they have taken 10 consecutive hours off duty.
The 60/70-Hour Rule (7/8-Day Limit)
A driver may not drive if more than 60 hours of on-duty time have been accumulated within any 7 consecutive days, or 70 hours within any 8 consecutive days. This limit resets after a driver takes 34 consecutive hours off duty.
The 8-Day Short-Haul Exception
Drivers using the short-haul exception (typically within a 150 air-mile radius and returning to their normal work reporting location) may be exempt from using an ELD and certain HOS limits, provided they meet specific conditions and record their duty status. They can drive up to 11 hours within a 14-hour period and are exempt from the 60/70-hour rule, but must still take 10 hours off duty.
Calculation Logic:
Our calculator determines remaining time by subtracting current used time from the applicable limits.
Remaining Driving Time = 11 Hours – Current Driving Time
Remaining On-Duty Time = 14 Hours – Current Total On-Duty Time
Time Until Next Available Driving Slot: This is more complex. For the 11-hour rule, it's the time needed to reach 10 consecutive hours off duty. For the 60/70-hour rule, it's the time until the oldest on-duty hours fall outside the 7 or 8-day window.
Variables Table:
Variable
Meaning
Unit
Typical Range
Driving Time
Time spent actively operating the CMV.
Hours
0 – 11
On-Duty Time
Time spent performing work-related tasks (driving, loading, fueling, inspections, etc.), excluding sleeper berth and off-duty time.
Hours
0 – 14 (within a single 14-hr window)
Off-Duty Time
Time spent not performing any work or job-related duties.
Hours
Variable
Sleeper Berth Time
Time spent in the vehicle's sleeper berth. Can be split but must total 10 consecutive hours for a reset.
Hours
Variable
14-Hour Window
The maximum period a driver can be on duty (excluding 10 consecutive off-duty hours).
Hours
14
11-Hour Driving Limit
Maximum driving time allowed within a 14-hour window after 10 consecutive off-duty hours.
Hours
11
60/70-Hour Cycle
Maximum cumulative on-duty time within 7 or 8 consecutive days.
Hours
60 or 70
Practical Examples (Real-World Use Cases)
Example 1: Standard Day
A driver starts their day at 6:00 AM after 10 hours of off-duty time. They drive for 5 hours, take a 30-minute break (on-duty, not driving), load for 1 hour (on-duty), and then drive for another 4 hours.
Time Until Next Available Driving Slot: The driver has used 10.5 hours of their 14-hour window. They can continue on-duty for another 3.5 hours, but cannot drive after the 14-hour mark. They need 10 consecutive hours off duty to reset for the next day.
Financial Interpretation: This driver has 2 hours of driving and 3.5 hours of total on-duty time remaining for the day. They must complete their remaining tasks within the next 3.5 hours and then take 10 consecutive hours off duty to be compliant for the following day.
Example 2: Approaching 70-Hour Limit
A driver is nearing the end of their 8th day of work. They have accumulated 68 hours of on-duty time over the last 7 days and have driven 10 hours today. They have been on duty for 12 hours today, including 2 hours of loading. They took 8 hours of off-duty time last night.
Cycle Type: 60/70 (specifically, checking the 70-hour/8-day limit)
Calculator Output:
Remaining Driving Time: 11 – 10 = 1 hour
Remaining On-Duty Time: 14 – 12 = 2 hours
Time Until Next Available Driving Slot: The driver can drive for 1 more hour and be on duty for 2 more hours within their current 14-hour window. Crucially, their 70-hour limit will be reached in 2 hours (70 – 68 = 2). They cannot drive or be on duty past this point today without violating the 70-hour rule. They need 34 consecutive hours off duty to reset the 70-hour clock.
Financial Interpretation: This driver is critically close to violating the 70-hour rule. They must stop all on-duty activities within 2 hours. Dispatch needs to be aware that this driver cannot take on any more work until they have completed their 34-hour reset, impacting delivery schedules and potentially incurring fines if not managed properly. This scenario highlights the importance of real-time DOT Hours of Service tracking.
How to Use This DOT Hours of Service Calculator
Using our DOT Hours of Service calculator is straightforward and designed for quick, accurate compliance checks.
Enter Current Driving Time: Input the total number of hours you have already spent driving today.
Enter Current On-Duty Time: Input the total hours you have been on duty today. Remember, this includes driving, loading, unloading, vehicle inspections, fueling, and any other work-related tasks, excluding sleeper berth and off-duty time.
Enter Current Off-Duty Time: Input the hours you have spent resting completely off duty.
Enter Sleeper Berth Time: If applicable, enter the hours spent in the sleeper berth.
Select Cycle Type: Choose the Hours of Service cycle that applies to you (e.g., 60/70-hour rule or the 8-day exception).
Click 'Calculate': The calculator will instantly display your remaining driving time, remaining on-duty time within the 14-hour window, and an estimate of when you can resume driving based on rest requirements.
How to Read Results:
Remaining Driving Time: This is the maximum additional time you can legally drive today.
Remaining On-Duty Time: This is the maximum additional time you can be on duty (including driving, breaks, loading, etc.) before hitting the 14-hour limit.
Time Until Next Available Driving Slot: This indicates how much longer you need to be off duty or how much time needs to pass for older on-duty hours to fall out of the 7/8-day cycle.
Total Driving/On-Duty Used: Shows your current cumulative time for the day.
Decision-Making Guidance: Use these results to plan the remainder of your day. If you have limited remaining time, you may need to adjust your route, schedule a rest break, or communicate with your dispatcher about potential delays or compliance issues. Always prioritize safety and compliance over tight schedules. For detailed DOT Hours of Service requirements, consult the FMCSA guidelines.
Key Factors That Affect DOT Hours of Service Results
Several factors influence your DOT Hours of Service calculations and compliance:
Consecutive Off-Duty Time: The mandatory 10 consecutive hours off duty is the primary reset for the 11-hour driving and 14-hour on-duty limits. Insufficient or non-consecutive off-duty time prevents a full reset.
Split Sleeper Berth Provision: Drivers can use a split sleeper berth option, combining a period of at least 2 hours and another period of at least 7 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth. The total time counts as 10 consecutive hours off duty, effectively resetting the 14-hour clock. Proper use can significantly improve flexibility.
On-Duty vs. Driving Time: It's crucial to differentiate. While driving is limited to 11 hours, total on-duty time (including loading, paperwork, inspections) is limited to 14 hours within a specific window. Misclassifying time can lead to violations.
The 14-Hour "On-Duty" Window: This is a hard limit. Once 14 hours have passed since the start of your 10-hour off-duty break, you cannot drive again until you take another 10 consecutive hours off. This window includes *all* on-duty time and any off-duty time *less than* 10 consecutive hours.
60/70-Hour Cycle Accumulation: This cumulative limit requires careful tracking over 7 or 8 days. Drivers must monitor their total on-duty hours and ensure they do not exceed the threshold. A 34-hour reset is required to clear this clock. This impacts long-haul planning significantly.
Adverse Driving Conditions: FMCSA allows drivers an extra 2 hours to drive due to unforeseen adverse conditions (e.g., snow, fog, accidents). This extends the 11-hour driving limit to 13 hours and the 14-hour on-duty limit to 16 hours, but only if the driver is not otherwise prohibited from driving. This exception requires careful documentation.
Short-Haul Exceptions: Drivers operating within specific parameters (e.g., 150 air-mile radius) may be exempt from ELD requirements and some HOS rules, but must still adhere to basic driving and on-duty limits and maintain accurate records. Understanding eligibility is key.
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): While our calculator is a tool, most drivers are required to use ELDs. ELDs automatically record duty status and HOS, reducing errors but requiring drivers to understand how their ELD interprets different duty statuses.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: What happens if I exceed my DOT Hours of Service limits?
Exceeding DOT Hours of Service limits can result in significant penalties, including fines for both the driver and the motor carrier, out-of-service orders, points on your driving record, and potential loss of commercial driving privileges. Safety is paramount, and violations indicate fatigue risk.
Q2: Does my 10-hour off-duty break have to be consecutive?
Yes, for the purpose of resetting the 11-hour driving and 14-hour on-duty clocks, the off-duty break must be 10 *consecutive* hours. The split sleeper berth provision allows for a combination of rest periods that effectively count as 10 consecutive hours.
Q3: How is "on-duty time" defined?
On-duty time includes any time spent performing compensable work, such as driving, inspecting the vehicle, fueling, loading/unloading, securing cargo, waiting to be loaded/unloaded, or performing administrative tasks related to the job. It excludes periods of sleeper berth time and off-duty time.
Q4: Can I drive after my 14-hour window expires if I take a short break?
No. The 14-hour window is a hard limit. Once it expires, you cannot drive again until you have completed 10 consecutive hours off duty. A short break does not reset this clock.
Q5: What is the difference between the 60/70-hour rule and the 11/14-hour rules?
The 11-hour driving and 14-hour on-duty rules apply daily, governing how much you can drive and be on duty within a specific 14-hour window after a 10-hour rest. The 60/70-hour rule is a cumulative limit over a longer period (7 or 8 days), restricting the total on-duty hours within that timeframe. Both must be followed.
Q6: Do I need to use an ELD?
Most commercial drivers operating vehicles requiring a CDL and engaged in interstate commerce must use an Electronic Logging Device (ELD) to record their Hours of Service. Exceptions exist, such as for drivers operating under the short-haul exception or certain agricultural operations. Always verify your specific requirements.
Q7: How does the 34-hour reset work for the 60/70-hour rule?
To reset the 60/70-hour clock, a driver must take 34 consecutive hours off duty. This allows them to start a new 7 or 8-day cycle with zero accumulated hours. This reset can only be used once every 168 hours (7 days).
Q8: Can I drive if I feel tired but am within my HOS limits?
Absolutely not. The Hours of Service regulations are designed to prevent fatigue. Even if you are within your legal limits, if you feel fatigued, you must stop driving and take adequate rest. Driver fatigue is a major safety hazard.