HOS ETA Calculator
Plan solo or team transit with ETA output, timeline steps, and appointment check.
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Hours of Service Rules for CDL Drivers
Federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations set by the FMCSA limit how long commercial truck drivers can drive and work before taking mandatory rest. Understanding these rules helps you plan routes, avoid violations, and protect your CDL.
The core rule for property-carrying drivers is the 11-hour driving limit — you may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. You must also stay within a 14-hour on-duty window that starts the moment you go on duty, regardless of how much of that time was spent driving.
The 70-Hour / 8-Day Rule
Most carriers operate under the 70-hour rule, which limits you to 70 hours of on-duty time in any 8 consecutive days. Once you hit 70 hours you cannot drive until you drop below the limit, either through natural time passage or by taking a 34-hour restart.
What Is the 34-Hour Reset?
The 34-hour restart lets you reset your 70-hour clock by taking at least 34 consecutive hours off duty. After a qualifying restart your 70-hour clock starts fresh. This is often used at the end of a hard week to set up a full 70 hours for the following week.
What Is Recap Time?
Recap time refers to hours that "fall off" the back of your 8-day rolling window. As each day drops off, those on-duty hours are no longer counted against your 70-hour total. Experienced drivers watch their recap carefully to maximize available drive time without needing a full 34-hour reset.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I calculate my HOS ETA?
Enter your total miles, current drive time used, on-duty time, and any off-duty or sleeper berth time already taken. The calculator applies FMCSA rules to determine how many driving hours you have remaining and projects your estimated arrival time.
Does the 30-minute break apply to all drivers?
Property-carrying drivers who have driven for 8 cumulative hours without at least a 30-minute break must take a break before driving further. The break must be spent off duty or in the sleeper berth.
What is the difference between driving time and on-duty time?
Driving time is only the time you spend behind the wheel moving. On-duty time includes driving plus any other work — pre-trip inspections, loading and unloading, fueling, paperwork, and waiting at a shipper. Both limits apply independently.
Can team drivers use different HOS rules?
Yes. Team drivers can use the sleeper berth provision differently, splitting rest between the bunk and off-duty periods. The calculator supports team driver mode with individual hour tracking for both drivers.