How Many Miles Is A Truck Driver Allowed To Drive In A Day?

Truck safety regulations don’t limit how many miles a trucker can drive in a day. However, federal and state regulations restrict the number of driving hours for truck drivers. Considering the hours of service (HOS) rules and the speed limit on most highways, truck drivers can cover around 500 to 600 miles daily.

Other factors besides the speed limit can affect the distance a truck driver covers daily. These include road and traffic conditions, weather, cargo loading and unloading times, company policies, and more. Unfortunately, ignoring these HOS rules can lead to potentially catastrophic truck accidents.

How Far Can Truckers Drive In A Day?

Truckers can only travel 500 to 600 miles per day based on the hours of service regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). According to the American Trucking Associations, long-haul truck drivers usually travel between 100,000 and 110,000 miles a year. Meanwhile, regional and city truckers cover around 48,000 miles annually.

Some truck companies use team drivers to increase their daily mileage. Two drivers take turns getting behind the wheel, allowing for fewer stops and more miles covered. However, both drivers must still follow FMCSA’s regulations. Failure to comply with these regulations can lead to accidents, resulting in serious bodily injuries for both truckers and other road users.

How Hours Of Service Rules Affect Daily Mileage

The FMCSA regulates the number of hours truck drivers can work to ensure their safety and reduce preventable truck accidents. However, these regulations also affect the miles they can cover each day and how long they can finish a haul and return to base.

Here are the important driving limits set by the FMCSA:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit — Property-carrying drivers can only drive for a maximum of 11 hours daily. They must take ten consecutive hours off duty before starting another 11-hour workday.
• 14-Hour Duty Limit — Truckers can only be on duty for a maximum of 14 hours. This includes their driving time, time spent in traffic, mandatory breaks, and loading and unloading.
• 60/70-Hour Limit — Truck drivers cannot drive after 60 hours on a seven-day workweek or 70 hours on an eight-day workweek. They must take at least 34 consecutive hours off duty after reaching this limit.
• 30-Minute Driving Breaks — Truck drivers must take a 30-minute break after driving for eight consecutive hours.
• 10-Hour Break — Workdays must end after 14 hours. By then, truck drivers must take ten consecutive hours off duty before returning to work.

These limits are implemented to ensure truck drivers have enough time to rest between hauls, reducing the chances of truck accidents. If they’re already tired before starting their shift, they become a risk to themselves, their passengers (if there are any), and other motorists or pedestrians on the road. Trucking companies can use electronic logging devices (ELDs) to track their drivers’ daily driving time. These devices allow shipping logistics providers to ensure adherence to safety regulations.

HOS And Speed Limits For Truck Drivers In California

In addition to federal regulations, California has its own laws governing HOS for truck drivers. Violating these state laws is a misdemeanor.

Here are some key points about the California Vehicle Code 21702:

• Truck drivers cannot drive for more than 12 consecutive hours in a day or a 15-hour period.
• They must take eight consecutive hours of break before returning to work.
• Violators will be fined between $100 and $1,000.
• While drivers can challenge a ticket for violating VC 21702, they cannot ignore one. Disregarding a violation ticket is another misdemeanor offense.

In addition to these HOS rules, the speed limit is a significant factor in calculating the number of miles truckers can cover daily. For safety reasons, most trucks are restricted to a maximum speed of 55 miles per hour on California highways. Since trucks are heavier and bigger than passenger vehicles, they require more time and distance to stop. Limiting their speed can help prevent disastrous accidents.

Why Following Hours Of Service Rules Is Important

FMCSA and Caltrans established HOS rules to ensure the safety of truck drivers, other motorists, and pedestrians. Violating HOS rules can have serious consequences. Drivers who break them may face suspension, job termination, and fines reaching thousands of dollars.

Additionally, depending on the severity of the violation, truck drivers and trucking companies may face civil penalties. These penalties can further include liability for accidents and injuries caused by non-compliance with HOS rules. Adherence to these regulations is crucial to minimize the risk of accidents and protect the well-being of everyone on the road.

Common Exceptions To The Hours Of Service Rules

Here are some exceptions to the basic HOS rules:

• Personal Conveyance — Truckers who drive their vehicles for personal use during off-hours do not have to follow HOS rules. Nonetheless, they are still expected to follow traffic laws and safety precautions. After all, negligence behind the wheel can lead to deadly accidents on the road, regardless of whether they’re on the job or not.
• Team Drivers — A teammate could spend up to two hours off-duty in the passenger seat while the other is driving.
• Short Hauls — For short trips within 150 air miles of their starting location, truck drivers don’t need to use logs as long as they return within 14 hours. However, they still need to report their daily hours to their employers. Additionally, they must still take 30-minute breaks after eight consecutive hours of driving.
• Yard Moves — Drivers who operate within a limited access lot or yard will have to log it as on-duty instead of driving status.
• Emergency Conditions — Under certain emergency conditions, truck drivers may be allowed to complete their runs without violating HOS rules.
• Adverse Driving Conditions — Truckers can extend their maximum driving limits to two hours when driving in adverse conditions. These driving situations include bad weather (snow, sleet, fog, etc.) and unusual road and traffic conditions.

What Does A Truck Driver Do In A Day?

Although truckers spend most of their workday driving, it’s not the only thing they do. Truckers have 14-hour shifts, but they can only drive for 11 hours. So, what do they do with the remaining hours?

Here are some of their non-driving duties:

• Loading and unloading (or waiting while cargo loaders do their tasks)
• Refueling
• Inspecting the truck and its contents before a trip
• Planning their route
• Protecting and securing cargo
• Ongoing seminars and training
• Training other drivers

Unfortunately, most truckers receive their pay by the mile rather than the hour. That means these extra tasks aren’t typically paid for. In an effort to earn more, some drivers might be tempted to exceed speed limits or skip mandatory rest periods. These risky behaviors significantly increase the risk of accidents that could be entirely preventable.

Different Types Of Truck Drivers

There are different types of commercial vehicle drivers. They include the following:

• Long-haul drivers spend a significant amount of time on the road, traveling long distances across state lines (interstate) or within one state (intrastate). They’re usually the ones who cover the maximum daily mileage and service hours. Most companies also use a team of long-haul truckers to cover more miles per day while still complying with federal regulations.
• Hazardous materials drivers haul dangerous materials across cities or states, so they need to undergo extra training and pass specialized tests. They should handle their large vehicles properly to avoid accidents that could cause extensive damage. That means not everyone can drive a truck carrying flammable or toxic materials.
• Pick-up and delivery (P&D) drivers are usually local drivers that companies hire to carry cargo within or in nearby cities. These drivers drive light, medium, or heavy delivery trucks that carry various cargo, from packages sent from online retailers like Amazon to fresh and frozen foods. They make more stops in a day and interact with more customers.
• Owner-operators, or independent drivers, own the vehicles, from box trucks to massive big rigs. They carry cargo to different points on a contractual basis. These operators are usually on a smaller scale than other trucking companies. However, they control everything, from purchasing the proper equipment to maintenance. If they cause an accident, they’re typically the sole defendants.
• Specialized truck drivers typically handle oversized and sensitive loads. In addition to hazardous materials, there are car transporters or semi-tractors with more than one trailer. They may be required to carry other permits and take additional training and tests.

What Does Each Truck Driver Log Status Mean?

Federal regulations require all truck drivers to maintain a record of their daily activities. This record, known as a log, tracks their time spent in different duty statuses, including off-duty, on-duty, driving, and sleeper berths. Drivers and trucking companies must accurately record these statuses to ensure compliance with HOS rules.

Here’s a breakdown of the common log statuses and their meanings:

• Off-Duty — This status means the driver is not performing any tasks required by the job, including trip preparation. They could be at home or resting at a truck stop during this time.
• Driving — The trucker is actively driving and on the road.
• On-Duty — If the trucker performs tasks for the job but is not actively driving, they must use this status. Examples of tasks while they’re on duty but not driving are loading and unloading freight and completing pre-trip inspections.
• Sleeper Berth — All sleeper berth periods should also be tracked properly using this status.

Trucking companies equip drivers with Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to automatically track driving time, rest periods, and location data. These devices enhance record-keeping accuracy and make falsification much more difficult. However, the driver ultimately has the responsibility for logging all activities.

What A Driver Log Book Should Contain

Trucking companies may still use paper logbooks to track a driver’s time. However, these should clearly show all activities in a day, including:

• The carrier’s name and the main office address
• Shipper name and cargo
• The driver’s license number
• The vehicle’s carrier number
• The date and total miles driven in a shift
• Total hours for each duty status within 24 hours
• Signatures (both drivers, if driving in a team)
• The cities and state abbreviations at any time duty status changes

Truckers must also accurately log the hours spent on duty, off duty, driving, and in a sleeper berth daily. A trucker’s log book is important for ensuring HOS rules are followed. Additionally, it’s a necessary piece of evidence during an investigation after an accident.

Accurate logbooks also facilitate insurance claims and prevent fraud by maintaining honest records of driving hours. Log books promote accountability and safer driving practices in the trucking industry.

Exceptions To Keeping A Driver’s Daily Log

There are several exceptions where truck drivers don’t have to fill out a daily log, including:

• Non-CDL Short-Haul Exemption. A truck driver who operates a vehicle that doesn’t require a commercial driver’s license (CDL) and works within 150 air miles of their reporting location qualifies for this exception. They must also return to base within 14 hours. However, federal law still requires them to take a 30-minute break.
• 100 Air-Mile Exception. Truckers who drive within 100 air miles of their normal working location and return within 12 hours are also exempt. Still, they must follow the basic HOS regulations, including mandated break times.

What Could Delay Truck Drivers?

Although many truckers can cover 500 miles daily, some factors can delay their progress. These delays can cut into their earnings. Unfortunately, some drivers might be tempted to make up for lost time by speeding or driving recklessly, increasing the risk of accidents.

Here are some of the common factors that could slow down truckers on the road:

Poor Weather Conditions

Truck drivers face various weather conditions, especially when they’re traveling across different states. Sometimes, they drive through sunny stretches, but other times, they experience rain, snow, fog, or even hail. All drivers are expected to slow down during these adverse weather conditions.

For example, truckers can only drive at a maximum speed of 55 mph on California highways. However, they are expected to slow down to 50 or 45 mph when it’s raining or snowing. This necessary slowdown can decrease their daily mileage.

Nevertheless, according to HOS rules, they may extend their driving time to 2 hours, which they can use to compensate for lost mileage.

Deadheading

Deadheading refers to driving a truck with an empty trailer, which typically occurs after a delivery. It also happens when truckers have to pick up a new load. Some companies pay their truckers for the miles they cover, even without cargo. Other companies don’t pay for deadheading miles at all since they don’t earn an income from these empty stretches. Some companies offer a compromise, where drivers only get paid for deadhead miles exceeding a certain distance.

On average, many drivers would “bounce” (i.e., drive with an empty trailer or without one at all) around 75 miles.

Loading/Unloading And Paperwork

Loading and unloading times are included in truckers’ 14-hour workday. However, these tasks can take longer than usual and delay a driver. Truckers and trucking companies allocate a couple of hours for these tasks. However, if a shipment is particularly complex or the paperwork is extensive, exceeding this timeframe can cut into the daily mileage a driver can achieve.

Road Constructions

Truck drivers may be able to find alternate routes to avoid construction zones. Nevertheless, they sometimes have no choice but to go through traffic and pass by these dangerous road conditions. With congestion and slower speeds, they won’t be able to cover more miles than they expect.

Traffic

If a trucker has to pass through cities with large populations, they must expect heavy traffic. Unfortunately, congestion also means slower travel, which could delay their progress. That’s why some truckers try to avoid these cities if they can or use alternate routes.

California’s Most Congested Trucking Routes

Congested traffic is one of the main causes of delays. In California, Los Angeles’ Harbor Freeway between Stadium Way and Interstate 10 has one of the highest truck delay per mile rates.

Aside from the Harbor Freeway, here are some other busy trucking routes in the Golden State:

• Interstate 10
• Interstate 405
• Interstate 15
• Interstate 5

More areas that commonly have heavy congestion in Southern California are:

• Imperial Highway to Getty Center Drive
• Getty Center Drive to LA San Diego Freeway
• LA Harbor Freeway to Santa Monica Freeway
• Santa Monica Freeway to Stadium Way
• LA Harbor Freeway to 111th Place
• 111th Place to Santa Monica Freeway
• LA San Gabriel River Freeway to Beverly Boulevard
• Beverly Boulevard to Florence Avenue

Other roads in California, like the 210 Freeway in Pasadena, also see accidents happening frequently.

Frequently Asked Questions About How Many Miles A Truck Driver Is Allowed To Drive Everyday

What Is The Weekly Work-Hour Limit For Truckers?

FMCSA mandates truckers and their employees to follow the 60/70-hour limit. According to federal law, truckers are not allowed to work more than 60 hours during a seven-day period. If the work week is eight days, the limit is 70 hours. After the work week is done, whether it’s 60 or 70 hours, truckers must take 34 consecutive hours or more off duty.

Can Truckers Take Breaks During Driving Shifts?

Yes, truckers can take breaks during their driving shifts. The FMCSA requires truckers to have at least one 30-minute break after eight consecutive hours of driving.

Are Truck Drivers Allowed To Drive More Than 11 Hours A Day?

Certain situations, like inclement weather conditions and setbacks, could allow truck drivers to go beyond HOS limits. For example, a trucker might encounter heavy rain in Los Angeles, which limits visibility and creates hazardous road conditions. Drivers can push through the rain, albeit at slower speeds, or wait on a road shoulder. They can extend their driving hours to two hours so they can cover lost miles.

Truckers can also exceed the 11-hour mark if the traffic is unusually heavy. However, they must report any time lost and the reason.

Do Truck Drivers Still Use Logbooks?

Some companies still use paper logbooks to record driving and resting hours. However, most have transitioned to ELDs to comply with federal regulations. These electronic devices can accurately log hours and GPS, which makes them more difficult to manipulate.

Lawyers can also use ELDs as evidence in 18-wheeler accidents. They can check the device to confirm whether the driver took no breaks or exceeded the allowable hours of service.

Additionally, they can check the GPS logs to see whether speeding caused the accident. For example, traveling from Los Angeles to San Francisco usually takes more than six hours, but GPS logs showed it only took the driver four hours. This data could confirm that the driver was speeding.

Do Local Drivers Need A Logbook?

Local drivers who drive more than 150 miles daily must use a logbook to track their hours on the road. This will ensure they don’t go beyond HOS rules.

How Can A Logbook Help An Injury Case?

In the event of a semi-truck accident, injury lawyers can gather pieces of evidence that could help establish liability. For example, a trucker who violated HOS rules and fell asleep at the wheel due to fatigue got into a rear-end accident with a passenger vehicle, causing severe injuries to its occupants. The logbook will confirm that they haven’t taken the mandated break or exceeded their daily driving hours.

Fatigue is extremely dangerous and comparable to drunk driving. That’s why federal, state, and local laws limit truckers’ work hours. These regulations aim to ensure drivers are well-rested and alert behind the wheel, ultimately saving lives and preventing tragedies on the road.

How Do Truckers Stay Awake While Driving?

Truckers must ensure they get adequate sleep and rest before each shift to avoid drowsiness while on shift. Most long-haul trucks have a sleeper berth that truckers can sleep in. Additionally, it’s wise to refrain from driving when tired. Also, avoid prescription drugs that induce drowsiness, such as sleeping pills, cold medicines, and allergy drugs.

Unfortunately, some truck drivers use distractions to stay awake. They blast loud music, watch videos on their phones, or call family and friends. These actions can distract them from driving, and truckers who are both distracted and drowsy are at an increased risk of causing an accident.

What Are The Dangers Of Truckers Falling Asleep At The Wheel?

One of the most common causes of truck accidents in California and beyond is truck driver fatigue. Extreme tiredness is not just unhealthy. It can even cause fatal crashes. If truck drivers fall asleep at the wheel, they are more likely to drift off their lanes, run red lights, rear-end other vehicles, and more.

Personal injury lawyers usually have to come in and ensure truckers and their employers are held liable. In the most severe cases, the courts may award punitive damages to punish such acts. This is especially true when they lead to catastrophic injuries or wrongful death.

What Should You Do If A Trucker Who Fell Asleep At The Wheel Injures You?

In addition to getting immediate medical assistance, hiring personal injury attorneys specializing in truck accidents is crucial. Such cases are extremely complicated since they may have multiple liable parties. Apart from the trucker, the trucking company may be held accountable for your damages and losses, and other parties may also be involved.

Having an injury attorney by your side will make filing a claim easier. They will do the paperwork on your behalf and negotiate with insurance companies to ensure you receive maximum compensation.

Do I Need A Truck Accident Attorney, Or Can I Handle My Own Claim?

It’s best to hire a truck accident attorney if you were injured in a truck accident due to someone else’s negligence. This type of claim is complicated due to the possibility of multiple liable parties. Several laws regulate the trucking industry, such as HOS rules. Accident lawyers have a deep understanding of both personal injury laws and trucking regulations. They can help you create a compelling case.

Can Illegal Immigrants Sue For Personal Injury After A Truck Accident?

Yes, illegal immigrants can file a personal injury claim if they are injured in a truck accident. They also can’t be deported once their case is ongoing. In fact, defendants can’t investigate their immigration status or use it against them. In addition, their compensation should be based on their wages and benefits in the United States instead of their country of origin.

If the trucking or insurance companies threaten you with deportation, hiring truck accident injury lawyers will protect your rights.

How Much Do Truck Accident Lawyers Charge In California?

Personal injury lawyers in California usually work on a contingency basis. This agreement means clients don’t have to pay upfront. Instead, their fees will come from the settlement award. Depending on certain factors, such as the case’s complexity, they can take between 25% and 40% of the total amount recovered. This percentage is typically agreed upon during the onboarding process.

How Can I Find Good Truck Accident Attorneys For My Claim?

Here are some things to consider when choosing a truck accident lawyer:

• Get referrals from family and friends. Their personal recommendations can narrow down your search. Referrals are an excellent way of finding a legal representative with experience in cases similar to yours.
• Use online directories. Avvo and Justia are just some of the top online directories that can help you find truck accident lawyers in your area.
• Find someone with experience. Lawyers who handle truck accident cases are likely to have built strong relationships with credible experts who can help with your claim. Plus, they can easily navigate through different stages of the claims process.
• Know their success rate. This information can help you gauge how competent they are and if they have the skills to help you.
• Consult with someone who works on contingency. They have more incentive to win your case because they won’t be paid if they don’t resolve it. Also, you won’t have to worry about paying for their fees upfront.
• Find someone you can get along with. Connection is critical, especially since you’ll work with them during one of the most vulnerable moments in your life.

Got Hit By An Exhausted Trucker? Call Our Truck Accident Lawyers For Help!

The HOS rules and other FMCSA-mandated regulations are implemented to make roads safe for everyone. Trucking companies or truckers who knowingly violate these laws significantly increase the chances of an accident.

Are you or a loved one suffering from a truck accident? Are you thinking, “Do I need a personal injury lawyer in California?” Arash Law is here to help you understand your legal rights and the options you can take. Our truck accident lawyers will advocate for your best interests while working on contingency, so you don’t have to pay anything upfront. We will fight relentlessly to protect your rights and get you the maximum compensation to cover your medical bills, property damages, and lost wages.

Our injury lawyers for truck accidents have won over $750 Million in settlements and verdicts. We also have experienced lawyers for car accidents, worker’s compensation, motorcycle accidents, bicycle accidents, Uber accidents, Lyft accidents, and slip-and-fall accidents, and other personal injury cases.

Not sure if you have a case? Call our truck accident attorneys today at (888) 488-1391 for a free case assessment. We are available 24/7 for any questions or concerns you might have. If you can’t come to us, don’t worry – we will come to you anytime, anywhere. We can also provide complimentary transportation if your vehicle is damaged.

We serve truck accident victims in the Golden State, including Los Angeles, Sacramento, Stockton, Modesto, Eureka, San Francisco, Oakland, San Jose, San Diego, Pasadena, and Fresno.