If you’ve ever driven across Texas, you know just how massive the state is and how essential commercial trucks are to keeping the economy moving. From delivering groceries and fuel to transporting raw materials across hundreds of miles, truck drivers play a critical role in our daily lives. But with those long stretches of road comes a serious safety concern: how many hours can truck drivers legally drive in Texas?
These regulations exist to protect truck drivers from exhaustion, safeguard other motorists, and ensure that trucking companies remain accountable for safe practices. Unfortunately, when these rules are ignored, the consequences can be devastating.
This article will walk you through the regulations that limit truck drivers’ hours, the exceptions that sometimes apply, and why understanding these rules matters if you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident. Whether you’re a professional driver, a concerned family member, or someone who has experienced the impact of a truck collision, this information can help you better understand your rights. If you need guidance, the team at Hit By a Truck Call Chuck is here to stand by your side and fight for justice across Texas.
Texas Truck Driver Regulations Explained
Federal Hours of Service (HOS) Rules
Most truck drivers in Texas are required to follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Hours of Service (HOS) rules. These regulations apply nationwide and were created to combat driver fatigue, one of the most common and dangerous issues in the trucking industry.
Here’s what the rules allow:
- 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers may operate their truck for up to 11 hours, but only after they have taken 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- 14-Hour On-Duty Window: Drivers cannot continue driving after the 14th hour of starting their shift, even if they’ve taken breaks in between.
- 30-Minute Rest Break: Once a driver has been behind the wheel for 8 cumulative hours, they are required to stop and take a break of at least 30 minutes.
- Weekly Caps: A driver may not exceed 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days, or 70 hours on duty in 8 consecutive days, depending on their schedule.
- 34-Hour Restart: To reset their weekly hours, drivers must take 34 consecutive hours off duty.
These rules aim to create a balance, ensuring that drivers can do their job without becoming so tired that they pose a danger to themselves and others.
Why These Limits Matter
Driving a fully loaded semi-truck is not the same as driving a personal vehicle. A commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, and when operated by a fatigued driver, the results can be catastrophic. Studies show that driving while tired can impair judgment and reaction time just as much as alcohol consumption.
The purpose of HOS regulations is to reduce these risks. By ensuring drivers have adequate time to rest, the law helps prevent deadly crashes caused by drowsy or overworked drivers. Unfortunately, pressure from trucking companies to meet tight delivery deadlines sometimes leads drivers to push past these limits, putting profits before people.
Common Violations of Driving Limits
Sadly, violations of HOS regulations are not uncommon. Some of the most frequent include:
- Falsifying logbooks or electronic logging devices (ELDs) to hide hours that exceed legal limits.
- Driving longer than allowed to complete deliveries on time, especially under strict company schedules.
- Skipping mandatory breaks, which can quickly lead to dangerous fatigue.
When a truck accident happens, uncovering these violations can be a critical part of proving negligence. An experienced attorney can review electronic logs, GPS data, fuel receipts, and company records to determine whether hours-of-service rules were broken.
When to Seek Legal Help from a Truck Accident Attorney
If you or someone you love has been injured in a trucking accident in Texas, navigating these regulations on your own can be overwhelming. Trucking companies often have teams of lawyers and insurers working to minimize their liability. That’s why having a skilled Texas truck accident lawyer from Hit By a Truck Call Chuck on your side is so important.
An attorney familiar with FMCSA regulations can:
- Investigate driver logs and company records for HOS violations.
- Work with accident reconstruction professionals to determine fatigue as a factor.
- Hold negligent trucking companies accountable for putting unsafe drivers on the road.
- Pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Without legal help, crucial evidence could be overlooked or even destroyed. Acting quickly after a crash is often the key to building a strong case.
Our Commitment to Texas Truck Accident Victims
At Hit By a Truck Call Chuck, we have seen firsthand how devastating truck accidents can be for families. When drivers or trucking companies break the law and cause harm, they must be held responsible. Our firm is dedicated to standing up for victims of trucking accidents across Texas, including those involving violations of the Hours of Service rules.
We have guided many clients through the aftermath of serious truck collisions, helping them recover compensation for medical bills, lost income, and long-term suffering. Our approach is built on compassion, thorough investigation, and relentless advocacy.
When you work with our team, you can expect clear communication, personal attention, and a strong commitment to fighting for the best possible outcome in your case.
If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident in Texas, don’t face the road to recovery alone. Call 915-845-4529 today to schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a dedicated Texas truck accident attorney.