Hours of Service Regulations for Missouri Truck Drivers

Male driver parking his truck

Driving a commercial truck is tiring work, and truckers who go too long without breaks are at risk of becoming dangerously fatigued behind the wheel.

Drowsy driving is dangerous driving, and research shows that extreme fatigue can have the same effects on a driver as alcohol consumption. That is why state and federal regulators have created hours of service rules (HOS) to limit how much time truckers can spend behind the wheel in a given day or week.

Unfortunately, some commercial motor vehicle drivers and trucking companies in Missouri ignore the limits on on-duty time in an attempt to increase profits, placing themselves and others on the road in significant danger.

If a drowsy truck driver who violated hours of service rules caused an accident that injured you, trust the law firm of Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC to fight for your future. Truck accident claims are a core component of our legal practice, and our deep knowledge of Missouri truck driver regulations helps us identify rule violations that may have led to your injuries.

Call now or complete our contact form to schedule a consultation with a Missouri truck accident lawyer, and let us review your case for free.

What Are the Hours of Service (HOS) Rules for Truck Drivers in Missouri?

Hours of service (HOS) rules are state and federal safety regulations that limit how long commercial truck drivers can operate their vehicles without taking breaks in a given day or workweek.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets and enforces HOS regulations for carriers engaged in interstate trucking, including in Missouri. Authorities in Missouri have additional rules for intrastate drivers (truckers who operate routes only within Missouri’s borders).

Why Are HOS Regulations Important for Road Safety?

FMCSA HOS rules in Missouri are meant to prevent driver fatigue and reduce the number of fatigue-influenced truck accidents. When truck drivers stay behind the wheel too long without enough rest, they become more likely to make mistakes. Fatigue slows truck drivers’ reaction times, affects their judgment, and can even cause drivers to fall asleep behind the wheel.

HOS rules are not just about protecting truck drivers. Truck driver rest requirements also protect families in passenger vehicles, motorcyclists, and pedestrians who share the road. By limiting how many hours a trucker can drive and requiring regular breaks, HOS regulations aim to reduce the risk of exhaustion-related truck accidents.

Daily and Weekly Driving Limits Under HOS Rules

Whether truck drivers must follow state or federal hours of service rules regarding their daily and weekly driving limits depends on whether they’re engaged in interstate commerce or work for a company that operates entirely within Missouri.

The federal regulations for property-carrying drivers include:

  • 14-hour on-duty limit – Truck drivers can work up to 14 hours within any 24-hour period.
  • 11-hour driving limit – Drivers may drive for a maximum of 11 hours within the 14-hour work window.
  • No extension of 14-hour window – Truck drivers cannot extend their 14-hour on-duty window with off-duty time, meals, or fuel stops. The only allowable extension is if the truck driver encounters bad weather.
  • Weekly on-duty limit – Drivers may not be on duty for more than 60 hours in 7 consecutive days or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days. Which limit applies depends on the trucking carrier’s hours of business. The work period resets after the driver takes 34 consecutive hours off-duty.

The state has adopted many of these same rules in the following Missouri hours of service rules for truck drivers:

  • A driver’s work shift may not exceed 14 hours, starting when they come on duty.
  • Drivers must not exceed 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days. Alternatively, they may not exceed 70 hours on duty in 8 consecutive days, depending on the carrier’s schedule.
  • The 34-hour restart provision allows drivers to reset their 7- or 8-day period after taking 34 consecutive hours off duty.

Required Rest Breaks and Off-Duty Time for Missouri Truckers

Under FMCSA HOS rules, interstate truck drivers operating in Missouri must take the following breaks during their schedules:

  • 10-hour off-duty requirement – Drivers must take 10 consecutive hours off-duty after driving 11 hours.
  • Sleeper berth requirements – Drivers may split their 10-hour off-duty period as long as they spend at least 7 consecutive hours in their cab’s sleeping berth and pair it with another break period of at least 2 hours.
  • Mandatory 30-minute break – Interstate truckers must take a break of at least 30 minutes after driving for a cumulative total of 8 hours during their 11-hour work period.

Here are the Missouri rules for intrastate truck drivers:

  • Drivers may not operate a commercial vehicle for more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
  • Drivers must take a 30-minute break if they drive more than 8 hours without an interruption. Truckers can take this break while off-duty, in their sleeper berths, or while on duty (but not driving).

What Happens if a Truck Driver Violates HOS Rules?

A truck driver who violates hours of service regulations may be placed out of service, meaning they cannot legally operate the vehicle until they meet mandatory rest period requirements. Both the driver and their employer may also face fines or other penalties. Repeated or severe violations can lead to more frequent inspections, higher insurance costs, and damage to the motor carrier’s safety rating and reputation.

More importantly, driving while drowsy puts everyone on the road at risk. Fatigued truck drivers are more likely to make mistakes, miss traffic signals, or react too slowly in emergencies.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) and HOS Monitoring

Federal and state regulations require most commercial truck drivers to use electronic logging devices (ELDs) to track their hours of service. ELDs automatically record a driver’s operating hours, which helps ensure that drivers follow their required rest limits.

Paper logs are allowed only in limited situations. For example, drivers who operate within a 150-mile air radius and do not exceed the 8-day logging requirement in any 30-day period may qualify for an exemption. Paper logs are also permitted temporarily when an ELD malfunctions, but only for up to 8 days unless the driver receives an extension.

When to Contact a Missouri Truck Accident Attorney

The sooner you contact our Missouri truck accident attorneys, the better. Our lawyers are ready to review the trucker’s logs and evidence to see if driver fatigue played a role in the crash. If so, we can take action to hold the truck driver, the trucking carrier, or other liable parties accountable and help you demand fair compensation.

Call Craig, Kelley & Faultless LLC now or complete our contact form for a free consultation.