15-hour on-duty rule

The purpose of the hours-of-service regulations, including the 15-hour on-duty rule, is to keep fatigued drivers off the road.

Scope

This requirement applies to drivers and motor carriers operating passenger-carrying commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce.

Commercial motor vehicle (CMV): A self-propelled or towed motor vehicle used on a highway, in interstate commerce, that meets any one of the following criteria:
- Has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) or gross combination weight rating (GCWR), or gross vehicle weight (GVW) or gross combination weight GCW) of 10,001 pounds or more, whichever is greater; or
- Is designed or used to transport more than 8 passengers (including the driver) for compensation; or
- Is designed or used to transport more than 15 passengers (including the driver), and not used to transport passengers for compensation; or
- Is transporting hazardous materials of a type or quantity which requires placarding.

The driver of a passenger-carrying CMV may not drive for any period after having been on duty 15 hours following 8 consecutive hours off duty.

Exceptions. The regulations include several exceptions for certain types of situations and/or operations:

Driver in Alaska. The driver of a passenger-carrying CMV in Alaska may not drive after being on duty for 20 hours or more following 8 consecutive hours off duty.
Adverse driving conditions. The driver of a passenger-carrying CMV who encounters adverse conditions, on a run that could normally be completed within 8 hours, is allowed an additional 2 hours of driving to complete the run or reach a place offering safety. However, the driver must not drive:
- For more than 12 hours following 8 consecutive hours off duty, or
- After 17 hours of on-duty time following 8 consecutive hours off duty.