What is the maximum number of hours a driver can drive in 7 consecutive days?

The maximum number of hours a driver can drive in 7 consecutive days is 60 hours. This regulation is part of the Hours of Service (HOS) rules established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which are designed to ensure that commercial vehicle drivers do not operate their vehicles while fatigued.

Under these regulations, a driver may not drive more than 60 hours in a 7-day period if the driver does not operate every day of the week. Importantly, if a driver only operates a commercial motor vehicle for a maximum of 70 hours in an 8-day period instead, they must take a reset break of at least 34 consecutive hours to extend their driving time allowance.

The numerical limits reflect safety considerations, aiming to strike a balance between operational needs and the health and safety of both drivers and the public. Understanding these regulations is vital for compliance and safety in commercial driving.