What Is Sleeper Berth Provision in Trucking?
Also called: Split Sleeper Berth, Sleeper Berth Split, 7/3 Split, 8/2 Split
The sleeper berth provision lets a property-carrying driver split the 10 hours off duty into two periods. One period must be at least 7 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth. The other must be at least 2 hours. Together they must total at least 10 hours. The two rest periods are left out of the 14-hour window.
Last reviewed September 23, 2026 · Facts checked October 17, 2026
Key Points
- A driver may reach 10 hours of rest with 10 hours off duty, 10 hours in the sleeper berth, or a combination of consecutive sleeper berth and off-duty time that totals at least 10 hours (49 CFR 395.1(g)(1)(i))
- A driver may also split the rest into two periods. Neither may be shorter than 2 consecutive hours. One must be at least 7 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth. Together they must total at least 10 hours (395.1(g)(1)(ii))
- Driving time before and after each rest period, added together, may not exceed 11 hours and may not break the 14-hour limit
- The 14-hour window does not include a qualifying rest period, and the limits are figured again from the end of the first of the two periods (395.1(g)(1)(iii))
- Another option is at least 7 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth plus up to 3 hours riding in the passenger seat while the vehicle moves, before or after the sleeper time (395.1(g)(1)(i)(D))
- Sleeper berth is a separate duty status on the log. It is not on-duty time (49 CFR 395.8(b))
What is the split sleeper berth rule?
It lets you divide your 10 hours of rest into two parts, so a long day can fit a break in the middle. One part must be at least 7 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth. The other must be at least 2 consecutive hours, in the sleeper berth or off duty. Together they must add up to at least 10 hours (49 CFR 395.1(g)(1)(ii)). You can pair them in either order.
What are the 8/2 and 7/3 splits?
They are common ways to describe valid pairs. In an 8/2 split you take 8 hours in the sleeper berth and 2 hours either off duty or in the sleeper berth. In a 7/3 split you take 7 hours in the sleeper berth and 3 hours either off duty or in the sleeper berth. Both meet the rule, because one period is at least 7 hours in the sleeper berth, neither is under 2 hours, and the total is at least 10. Other combinations that meet those tests are allowed too.
How does a split affect the 14-hour clock?
A qualifying rest period is left out of the 14 hours, and the driving and 14-hour limits are figured again from the end of the first period (49 CFR 395.1(g)(1)(iii)). Driving time before and after each rest period, added together, may not exceed 11 hours, and it may not break the 14-hour limit. Use a calculator, because the math is easy to get wrong.
Is sleeper berth time on duty?
No. Sleeper berth is its own duty status, next to off duty, driving and on duty not driving (49 CFR 395.8(b)). It counts as rest. Sleeper berth time can also count toward the 30-minute break when you are not driving. A truck must have a sleeper berth as defined in the rules to use the provision.
Related Terms
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 split sleeper berth rule?+
It lets a property-carrying driver split 10 hours of rest into two periods. One must be at least 7 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth, the other at least 2 consecutive hours, and together at least 10 hours (49 CFR 395.1(g)(1)(ii)).
What is the 8/2 sleeper berth rule?+
It is a split of 8 hours in the sleeper berth and 2 hours either off duty or in the sleeper berth. It meets the rule because one period is at least 7 hours in the sleeper berth, neither is under 2 hours, and the total is at least 10.
What is the 7/3 sleeper berth rule?+
It is a split of 7 hours in the sleeper berth and 3 hours either off duty or in the sleeper berth. It meets the same tests as the 8/2 split. A different rule allows up to 3 hours in the passenger seat of a moving vehicle with 7 hours in the sleeper berth.
Is sleeper berth considered on duty?+
No. Sleeper berth is a separate duty status that counts as rest, not as on-duty time (49 CFR 395.8(b)).
Does the sleeper berth split pause the 14-hour clock?+
In a valid split, the two qualifying rest periods are left out of the 14-hour window, and the limits are figured again from the end of the first period (49 CFR 395.1(g)(1)(iii)).
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