How many hours in 7 consecutive days may a driver legally drive?

The legal limit for driving hours over a period of 7 consecutive days is established by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. According to these regulations, a driver may drive a maximum of 60 hours within a 7-day workweek if they do not operate every day of the week.

However, if a driver is operating under a 7-day schedule, they can drive up to 70 hours in that same period within a 8-day cycle. This is significant for ensuring that drivers have adequate rest and to prevent fatigue, which is crucial for maintaining safety on the roads.

Therefore, while 60 hours is permissible for limited driving weeks, for drivers who operate consistently over a full week, the legal limit is indeed 70 hours, providing flexibility under the specific conditions set forth by the regulations. This framework is designed to enhance road safety and ensure that drivers do not exceed safe driving limits.