Federal regulations govern the maximum driving time for commercial truck drivers to prevent driver fatigue and enhance road safety. These limitations are expressed in terms of daily and weekly maximums, alongside mandatory rest periods. For example, a driver operating under the standard hours-of-service rules can drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
Regulations concerning driver hours are crucial for maintaining safe roadways. Driver fatigue is a recognized contributor to accidents, and these regulations aim to mitigate that risk. Historically, such rules have evolved alongside the trucking industry itself, reflecting growing understanding of the impacts of fatigue on driver performance and public safety. The evolution from paper logs to electronic logging devices (ELDs) illustrates a continuous effort towards stricter enforcement and improved compliance.
