Maximum Driving Time Regulations for Commercial Trucks

One of the most common causes of Kentucky truck accidents is due to driver fatigue. A commercial truck driver who cannot react quickly due to drowsiness or being completely asleep will have a much shorter reaction time in the event of an accident. To help combat driver fatigue due to lack of rest, federal regulations have placed restrictions on how long a driver may operate their vehicle during a shift.

For property-carrying vehicles a driver may drive a 14-hour shift as long as they do not drive for more than 11 cumulative hours in that shift and it is following at least 10 consecutive hours off duty. A commercial truck driver may not have been on duty for 60 hours in a period of 7 consecutive days if their employer does not operate every day of the week. This limit is 70 hours for carriers that do operate every day of the week.

The operating hours and break/sleep hours of a commercial truck driver must be logged either in a physical written log book or by a computer device installed within the vehicle. Motor carriers are required to keep records of their drivers' compliance with the federal driving time regulations.

Driving hours are only one aspect of commercial trucking that federal regulations govern. There are many more commercial truck driver regulations for both driver and vehicle that may impact your Kentucky truck accident claim. Knowing the basics of federal truck driver regulations may help you understand the circumstances of your accident. 

If you or a loved one were seriously injured in a truck accident in Kentucky, the attorneys at Gray and White Law are here to help. We have successfully handled many Kentucky truck accident and wrongful death cases. Contact us today to schedule an evaluation of your case - 1-800-634-8767.