Most interstate truck drivers hauling freight can drive up to 11 hours after taking 10 straight hours off duty, but they cannot drive past the 14th hour after starting their workday. Texas drivers who operate only within the state’s boundaries are subject to different rules. In either case, a driver who violates regulations can face liability if their fatigue contributes to a crash.
Federal Driving Limits
Federal hours-of-service (HOS) rules are meant to reduce tired driving among large commercial trucks. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates that a property-carrying driver usually must follow these limits:
- Driving time: The driver may drive up to 11 hours after 10 straight hours off duty.
- Workday window: The driver cannot drive after the 14th straight hour after coming on duty.
- Rest break: The driver must usually take a 30-minute break after eight hours of driving.
- Weekly cap: The driver may be limited to 60 hours in seven days or 70 hours in eight days, depending on the carrier’s schedule.
These rules matter after a crash because they can show whether a driver or trucking company pushed too hard. A truck accident lawyer may review logs, dispatch records, delivery schedules, and electronic logging device data to determine whether fatigue played a role.
Texas Rules for In-State Trucking
Not every truck route crosses state lines. Some drivers haul loads only inside Texas, such as local construction materials, oilfield supplies, retail goods, or regional freight. Texas Transportation Code § 644.053 allows certain intrastate drivers to drive 12 hours after eight straight hours off duty.
That difference can be important in a Texas crash case. A Texas truck accident attorney may need to find out whether the driver was operating under federal rules or Texas intrastate rules before deciding which limits apply.
Why Hours-of-Service Violations Matter After a Crash
A tired truck driver may react late, drift across lanes, miss stopped traffic, or make a poor turn. On busy Texas roads, including I-35, I-45, I-10, and I-20, a few seconds can change everything. Fatigue issues often show up in records such as:
- Driver logs: These may show excessive driving hours or contain false entries.
- Electronic data: Records from electronic logging devices can show movement, stops, and duty status.
- Dispatch messages: These may show pressure to meet a tight delivery time.
- Fuel and toll records: These can help confirm where the truck really was.
Fight for Maximum Recovery in Truck Cases Involving Hours-of-Service Violations
At Trujillo Gonzalez, our team has handled thousands of settlements and taken hundreds of cases to trial. We are willing to take smart risks to fight for maximum recovery when a truck crash causes serious harm. A Texas truck accident attorney from our firm can review the hours-of-service issues, the trucking records, and the full impact of the injury before deciding how to move the case forward. You can schedule a free consultation by contacting us online or by calling (972) 550-6818.
We proudly serve Dallas, Allen & all throughout Texas. Visit our law office at:
Trujillo Gonzalez PC
1111 W Mockingbird Ln #260,
Dallas, TX 75247, United States
Phone: (972) 550-6818
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