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The purpose of the hours-of-service regulations, including the mandatory break provision, is to keep fatigued drivers off the road.
This requirement applies to drivers and motor carriers operating property-carrying commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce.
Drivers of property-carrying CMVs are prohibited from driving for more than 8 hours without taking a 30-minute break from driving.
This interruption in driving status must be at least 30 consecutive minutes long and can be satisfied with either off-duty, sleeper-berth, or on-duty (not driving) time or any combination of those. For example, a driver who stops for 15 minutes to fuel the truck (on duty/not driving) and then spends 15 minutes getting lunch (off duty) has met the requirement for a break.
The intent is to get drivers out from behind the wheel before they exceed 8 hours of (nearly uninterrupted) driving.
Keep in mind:
Exceptions: There are exceptions to this requirement for certain industries and operations.