The 60/70-hour limit governs how many hours a driver can work over a rolling 7 or 8-day period. Drivers working for carriers that operate 7 days a week are limited to 70 hours in 8 days, while those with operations less than 7 days are limited to 60 hours in 7 days.
This rule acts as a long-term fatigue management system. While daily limits control short bursts of work, the 60/70-hour rule ensures that drivers do not accumulate excessive fatigue over time.
The clock is “rolling,” meaning each day, the oldest day’s hours drop off and new hours are added. This requires careful tracking and planning to avoid exceeding limits.
Drivers who reach their maximum hours must stop driving until they regain hours or take a 34-hour restart. This ensures that drivers get sufficient rest over the course of a week.
Fleet managers rely on this rule to schedule drivers effectively and avoid disruptions. Proper management of weekly hours can improve efficiency and prevent compliance issues.
The 60/70-hour limit is like a weekly budget—once spent, it must be replenished through rest. Managing this budget wisely is key to maintaining steady operations in the trucking industry.
