Review status: Official-source checked Source confidence: high Source-backed

14-Hour Rule Guide

Understand the 14-hour HOS window, why off-duty time usually does not pause it, and what to check before dispatching.

Quick Answer

The 14-hour window rule limits property-carrying CMV drivers to a 14-consecutive-hour on-duty window starting from when they first come on duty after 10 hours off — once 14 hours have passed from the start of the shift, no further driving is permitted until the driver completes a new 10-hour off-duty period.

ELD and HOS topics should be read with the related driver, carrier, and rule-specific pages. ELD Guide, Hours of Service, ELD Malfunction.

Who This Applies To

Commercial motor vehicle drivers and motor carriers subject to FMCSA Hours of Service regulations and the ELD mandate under eCFR Part 395.
Safety managers and dispatchers building driver log review procedures, HOS compliance policies, and ELD malfunction response plans.
Carriers verifying which drivers or operations may qualify for ELD exemptions, short-haul exceptions, or agricultural HOS waivers.

What To Verify

Whether the specific driver, vehicle, and operation are subject to ELD requirements or qualify for an exemption — verify current exemption criteria against FMCSA guidance and eCFR Part 395.
That any ELD device in use is listed on FMCSA's registered compliant device list at eld.fmcsa.dot.gov — using an unregistered device does not satisfy the ELD mandate.
Current driving and on-duty time limits for property-carrying versus passenger-carrying operations, and whether the operation uses the 60-hour/7-day or 70-hour/8-day schedule.
Carrier recordkeeping and retention requirements for ELD data and supporting documents, and the required paper log backup supply for malfunction situations.

Step-by-Step Overview

Confirm whether each driver and operation is subject to ELD requirements or qualifies for an exemption using FMCSA guidance and eCFR Part 395.
Verify that all ELD devices in use are listed on FMCSA's registered device list and that drivers are trained on daily log review and certification.
Establish a carrier policy for ELD malfunction response: paper log backup procedure, driver notification timeline, carrier notification to FMCSA if needed, and device repair or replacement timeline.
Implement a regular driver log review process to identify HOS violations, unassigned driving events, or data diagnostic flags before they appear in roadside inspections.
Retain ELD records and supporting documents for the required period and carry blank paper logs in every vehicle at all times.

Common Mistakes

Assuming a specific operation or driver is ELD-exempt without checking current FMCSA exemption criteria — exemptions have specific conditions that may not apply to all operations.
Using an ELD device not on FMCSA's registered device list — an unregistered device does not satisfy the federal ELD mandate regardless of how it functions.
Not stocking blank paper logs in every commercial vehicle — when an ELD malfunctions, the driver must switch to paper logs immediately and may be inspected before the ELD is repaired.
Failing to notify the motor carrier within 24 hours of an ELD malfunction as required — the carrier then has a limited window to repair or replace the device before enforcement action is possible.

Official Sources

Summary of Hours of Service Regulations Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration · federal-government · accessed 2026-05-06
Use for HOS educational summaries with eCFR cross-reference.
49 CFR Part 395 - Hours of Service of Drivers Electronic Code of Federal Regulations · regulation · accessed 2026-05-06
Use as the primary regulatory reference for HOS and ELD pages.

ELD Guide

A source-backed educational guide to ELD basics, official registered-device checks, and HOS recordkeeping cautions.

Hours of Service Guide

A source-backed educational overview of HOS rules for trucking businesses with official FMCSA/eCFR verification.

ELD Malfunction Guide

ELD malfunction response steps for drivers and carriers, including paper logs, notification timing, repair windows, and records.

FAQ

Can I pause the 14-hour clock by going off duty?

No. The 14-hour window runs continuously from when the driver first comes on duty after 10 consecutive hours off — it cannot be paused by taking an off-duty break within the shift. Once 14 hours have elapsed, no further driving is permitted until a new 10-hour off-duty period is completed.

Can this page be used to plan dispatch decisions?

Use it to frame questions and identify records to check. Dispatch decisions should be made from the driver's current duty status, carrier policy, and the current FMCSA or eCFR rule text.

What records usually matter most during a log review?

Daily logs, ELD annotations, unassigned driving, supporting documents, malfunction notes, and any exception being claimed should line up before the log is certified.