Truck drivers spend long hours on the road, but there are limits on how long they can legally drive in Florida. Federal and state hours-of-service rules are designed to reduce driver fatigue and help prevent serious truck accidents.
The exact limit depends in part on whether the driver is operating in interstate or intrastate commerce.
What Are the Federal Hours-of-Service Rules?
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the hours of service for most commercial truck drivers engaged in interstate commerce. The main federal limits for trucks carrying goods include:
- 11-hour driving limit: A driver may drive up to 11 hours after at least 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- 14-hour limit: A driver generally cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
- 30-minute break: A driver generally must take a break of at least 30 consecutive minutes after eight cumulative hours of driving without a qualifying interruption.
- 60/70-hour limit: A driver generally cannot drive after being on duty for 60 hours in seven consecutive days or 70 hours in eight consecutive days, depending on the trucking company’s schedule.
These limits apply to driving time and on-duty time differently. For example, a truck driver may spend part of the 14-hour window loading cargo, inspecting the truck, or completing other work. That time can count toward the driver’s on-duty window even though the driver is not behind the wheel.
How Does the 11-Hour Driving Limit Work?
A driver may drive up to 11 hours after taking at least 10 consecutive hours off duty. Those 11 driving hours must generally fall within a 14-hour window that begins when the driver comes on duty. For example, if a driver comes on duty at 6:00 a.m., the driving window generally ends at 8:00 p.m., even if the driver has not used all 11 driving hours.
Are the Rules Different for Truck Drivers in Florida?
Florida generally adopts federal commercial safety regulations, but state law provides different hours-of-service limits for certain drivers operating solely within Florida.
Under Florida Statutes § 316.302, intrastate drivers who are not transporting hazardous materials that require placarding generally may not:
- Drive more than 12 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- Drive after the 16th hour after coming on duty
- Drive after being on duty more than 70 hours in seven consecutive days
- Drive after being on duty more than 80 hours in eight consecutive days if the trucking company operates every day of the week
Thirty-four consecutive hours off duty can generally restart the applicable seven- or eight-day period, although exceptions may apply to certain drivers and operations. Certain intrastate truck drivers in Florida may therefore legally drive up to 12 hours, compared with the federal 11-hour limit for interstate drivers.
Why Do Hours-of-Service Violations Matter After a Truck Accident?
Driving for too long can increase fatigue and reduce a driver’s ability to react safely to changing road conditions. When a serious truck accident occurs, determining whether the driver complied with hours-of-service requirements can be an important part of the investigation.
Evidence that may help determine how long a driver had been working or driving includes:
- Electronic logging device (ELD) data
- Driver logs
- GPS and dispatch records
- Fuel and toll receipts
- Bills of lading
- Delivery records
- Employment and payroll records
These records may show whether the driver exceeded an applicable driving or on-duty limit. They may also reveal whether the trucking company knew about or encouraged unsafe driving practices.
What if a Truck Driver Exceeded the Legal Driving Limit?
An hours-of-service violation does not automatically prove that a truck driver or trucking company caused an accident. However, it may provide important evidence that fatigue or unsafe practices contributed to the crash. An investigation may also examine whether the trucking company allowed or required the driver to exceed applicable hours-of-service limits.
Contact Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Jacksonville Truck Accident Attorney
Truck accident cases may involve federal and state regulations, commercial insurance policies, and extensive evidence. A Jacksonville truck accident lawyer can obtain driver logs and electronic records, investigate hours-of-service violations, and determine whether driver fatigue contributed to the crash.
A lawyer can also identify responsible parties and help you pursue compensation for your injuries and other losses. Reach out to Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers today to schedule a free consultation with a member of our team.
We serve Jacksonville, Ponte Vedra, Duval County, St. Johns County, and the surrounding areas:
Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Jacksonville
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Jacksonville, FL 32256
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Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Downtown Jacksonville
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Jacksonville, FL 32202
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Baggett Law Personal Injury Lawyers – Ponte Vedra
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Ponte Vedra Beach, FL 32081
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