What Is 11-Hour Driving Limit in Trucking?
Also called: 11 Hour Rule, 11-Hour Driving Rule, 11 Hour Drive Time
The 11-hour driving limit says a property-carrying driver may drive a total of 11 hours inside the 14-hour window. The driver must first take 10 consecutive hours off duty. Driving also needs a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving without one. Adverse driving conditions can add up to 2 hours, which is where the 13-hour figure comes from.
Last reviewed September 23, 2026 · Facts checked October 17, 2026
Key Points
- A driver may drive a total of 11 hours during the 14-hour period (49 CFR 395.3(a)(3)(i))
- The driver must first take 10 consecutive hours off duty (395.3(a)(1))
- Driving is not allowed if more than 8 hours of driving have passed without a 30-minute interruption, unless a short-haul exception applies (395.3(a)(3)(ii))
- Adverse driving conditions that could not be known beforehand allow up to 2 more hours, so up to 13 hours of driving (395.1(b)(1))
- A driver who drives past the limit can be ordered out of service (49 CFR 395.13(b))
- In Alaska, property drivers have different limits: up to 15 hours of driving after 10 hours off (395.1(h))
What is the 11-hour driving rule?
It caps how much a driver can drive in one work period. A property-carrying driver may drive 11 hours in total during the 14-hour period, after first taking 10 consecutive hours off duty (49 CFR 395.3(a)). Only driving counts toward the 11 hours. Time spent loading, waiting or on a break does not, but it does use up the 14-hour window.
Can you drive 11 hours a day?
Yes, if you meet the other limits. You need 10 hours off first. You must stay inside the 14-hour window. And you must take a 30-minute interruption in driving once 8 hours of driving have passed without one (395.3(a)(3)(ii)). The break can be off-duty, sleeper berth or on-duty not driving time, or a mix. Your carrier may set a lower limit.
Is there a 13-hour driving rule?
Not as a normal limit. The figure comes from the adverse driving conditions exception. If snow, ice, fog or an unusual road or traffic condition you could not have known about stops you from finishing safely inside the 11 hours, you may drive up to 2 more hours to finish the run or reach a safe place (49 CFR 395.1(b)(1) and 395.2). That is 13 hours at most, and only in that case.
What happens if a driver goes over 11 hours?
Driving beyond the limit is a violation of the hours of service rules. An FMCSA special agent may order a driver out of service for driving after being on duty longer than the rules allow (49 CFR 395.13(b)(1)). The carrier may not require or permit the driver to drive again until the driver can lawfully do so (395.13(c)).
Related Free Tools
Sleeper Berth Split Calculator
Check if two rest periods count as a sleeper berth split under the federal rule, and see how many hours you can still drive after the second one.
Hours of Service Trip Planner
Enter a trip and see when you can really arrive once the 11-hour, 14-hour and 30-minute break rules are counted.
Hours of Service (HOS) Tracker
Full 49 CFR Part 395 tracking. It covers the daily log, 14-hour window, 30-minute break, and the real 60/70-hour weekly rule with 34-hour restart detection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the 11-hour driving limit?+
A property-carrying driver may drive a total of 11 hours during the 14-hour period, after 10 consecutive hours off duty (49 CFR 395.3(a)).
Can you drive 11 hours in a 14-hour period?+
Yes. Eleven hours of driving fits inside the 14-hour window if you also take the 30-minute break when it is due. Time spent waiting or loading uses up the window, not the 11 hours.
What is the 13-hour driving rule?+
It is not a normal limit. A driver who meets the adverse driving conditions exception may drive up to 2 more hours than the usual limit to finish the run or reach safety, which can make 13 hours of driving (49 CFR 395.1(b)(1)).
Does the 11-hour limit reset after a 10-hour break?+
Yes. After 10 consecutive hours off duty, a new 11-hour driving limit and a new 14-hour window begin (49 CFR 395.3(a)). The weekly 60 or 70 hour limit does not reset after 10 hours.
What happens if you drive more than 11 hours?+
It is a violation, and an FMCSA special agent may order the driver out of service. The driver may not drive again until it is lawful to do so (49 CFR 395.13).
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This is industry terminology and typical practice. It is not legal or tax advice. Rates, fees, and rules mentioned are general ranges. Confirm the details on your rate confirmation, carrier agreement, or a current official source.