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Hours-of-Service Made Easy: 60/7 vs 70/8 & ELD Basics

Confused about HOS rules? Learn the difference between 60/7 and 70/8 limits, how ELDs track driving time, and simple tips to stay compliant, avoid violations, and keep your fleet running safely and efficiently.

LearnTastic
Feb 11, 2026

Hours-of-Service Made Easy: 60/7 vs 70/8 & ELD Basics

Navigating the HOS (Hours-of-Service) rules can be confusing, particularly when you're trying to balance the strict regulations with actual-world driving demands. These regulations place proper limits on how long drivers can remain on duty, generally 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days, relying heavily on the carrier's operating cycle. Crossing those limits can lead to penalties, slow the operations, damage the company's credibility, and even threaten safety. In fact, HOS violations remain the most frequently cited problems during inspections, with over 200,000 reported in one year. That's why proper (Department of Transportation) DOT hours of service training matters.

This blog explains the HOS rules, the 60/7 and 70/8 cycles, how ELDs make compliance easier, and the 34-hour restart.

What Are Hours-of-Service (HOS) Rules?

HOS are federal rules set by the FMCSA (Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration). They limit how much time CMV (commercial motor vehicle) drivers can spend on duty. These rules aim to reduce crash risk and driver fatigue. Some of the primary requirements include:

Weekly on-duty limits
Mandatory breaks
Daily driving windows

The HOS regulations differ for passenger-carrying and property-carrying drivers. For long-haul trucks, the 60/7 and 70/8 cycles are especially important. These rules also include a restart provision that allows drivers to reset the cycle under defined conditions.

Understanding the 60/7 Rule

Under the 60/7 regulation, drivers cannot exceed 60 hours of on-duty time in 7 days. This usually applies when the carrier does not operate vehicles every day of the week. Once a driver reaches the 60-hour limit, they cannot drive again. They may only resume driving when their total hours drop below 60 in the last 7 days.

All work activities, such as paperwork, fueling, waiting, or loading, count toward the 60-hour total. Understanding these regulations via proper DOT hours of service training can help drivers stay compliant. It can also help them avoid violations and manage workdays confidently.

Understanding the 70/8 Rule

The 70/8 regulation states that a driver cannot work more than 70 hours in 8 days. This rule is used when a company operates its trucks every day. When a driver reaches 70 hours, they must stop driving. They can start driving again when their total hours fall below 70 in the last 8 days. All on-duty work counts toward the 70-hour limit, not just driving. Furthermore, with proper DOT hours of service training, drivers can easily understand how this cycle functions. That way, they can avoid all the costly violations while staying compliant and safe.

Key Differences Between 60/7 and 70/8

It is important to understand the differences between the 60/7 and 70/8 rules. The table below provides a clear overview of both regulations:

Feature	60/7 Rule	70/8 Rule
Maximum on-duty hours	60 in 7 days	70 in 8 days
Carrier requirement	For carriers not operating 7 days/week	Only for carriers that run vehicles every day
Non-driving on-duty time	Counts toward the 60-hour limit	Also counts toward the 70-hour limit
Restart rule	34-hour restart resets the 7-day clock	Same. The restart resets the 8-day clock

The 34-Hour Restart Rule

All drivers can reset their weekly 60 or 70-hour clock by taking a 34-hour off-duty period. This restart provision restores the entire cycle, which means it provides a fresh 60 or 70-hour allotment. Previously, the restart regulations required two overnight periods (1 AM to 5 AM) and were limited to once every 168 hours. New rules from the FMCSA removed both the 168-hour limit and the overnight requirement.

Although this rule is optional, it is very useful. It is mainly helpful for the following reasons:

It allows drivers to reset their accumulated hours.
Drivers have more flexibility when they take this off-duty period.
When drivers use the restart, they tend to stay more alert, perform better, and feel less tired.

How ELDs Track HOS Rules Automatically?

ELDs (Electronic Logging Devices) record a driver’s working hours without manual input. They track rest breaks, off-duty time, on-duty time, and driving time. The device begins recording once the truck moves, and it switches duty status when the driver stops or takes a break. ELDs also help drivers follow the 70/8 and 60/7 regulations. With the correct DOT hours of service training, fleet managers and drivers can use these devices to avoid errors and keep the operations running properly.

Here are some of the ways the ELDs assist drivers in the following ways:

They show how many hours a driver has left for the day and week.
They provide alerts when a driver is close to reaching the limit.
They can prevent accidental violations.

ELDs also monitor the 34-hour restart. They help in the following ways:

The system detects 34 consecutive hours of off-duty time and resets the weekly cycle.
The device makes it easier for drivers to manage their schedules.
It reduces the mistakes that often occur with paper logs. This helps protect both the company and the driver during audits or inspections.

Overall, ELDs make HOS tracking safer, clearer, and easier for everyone on the road.

DOT Hours of Service Training: Learning to Control the Driving Hours

Knowing whether you follow the 60/7 or 70/8 cycle is important. Understanding your cycle helps you manage your hours and avoid fatigue. It also keeps you compliant with FMCSA regulations. Knowing which cycle you belong to can lower the risk of violations. The 34-hour restart gives you better control over your weekly schedule so you can reset your hours and plan trips safely. ELDs also make the process easier by tracking time automatically.

Once you understand these regulations, you can protect your company’s safety score, your job, and your health. If you want to learn more, enroll in the ELD compliance course for drivers or the DOT Driver Compliance Training course to build your skills and keep you confident on the road.

FAQs

1. Is it possible for a driver to pick between the 60/7 and 70/8 rules?

No. Drivers cannot choose their weekly cycle. The motor carrier decides which regulation applies to its operations. The decision depends on whether the company operates 7 days per week. Drivers must follow the cycle the company uses and cannot switch it on their own.

2. How often can a driver use the 34-hour restart?

Drivers can restart any time they complete 34 consecutive off-duty hours. There are no waiting periods between restarts. The previous 168-hour rule has been removed. This gives drivers more flexibility to reset their weekly hours whenever their schedules allow.

3. Does the 34-hour restart need 2 overnight periods?

No. The restart no longer requires the overnight rest period from 1 AM to 5 AM. The FMCSA removed that rule. Drivers now only need 34 consecutive off-duty hours, which makes scheduling the restart much easier.

4. Do the ELDs reset the hours after the restart automatically?

Yes. ELDs can detect when a driver completes the 34-hour off-duty period and then reset the weekly cycle automatically. This lowers mistakes and helps drivers stay compliant. It also keeps records accurate for audits and inspections.

References:

https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/regulations/federal-register-documents/2019-19648

https://eld.fmcsa.dot.gov/File/Index/4f6ec201-1c9e-2c27-e063-0100007f718d

https://gomotive.com/blog/hours-of-service-rules-guide/

https://www.netradyne.com/in/blog/the-complete-guide-to-hours-of-service

LearnTastic

Author

LearnTastic

Author

LearnTastic is a trusted leader in professional certification, offering expertly-designed online courses in OSHA training, physical therapy continuing education, caregiver certification, and more. Our flexible programs help professionals meet regulatory requirements, enhance skills and advance their careers. With a focus on practical, up-to-date learning, we empower professionals to thrive in their industries.

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Hours-of-Service Made Easy: 60/7 vs 70/8 & ELD Basics

Table of Contents

What Are Hours-of-Service (HOS) Rules?

Understanding the 60/7 Rule

Understanding the 70/8 Rule

Key Differences Between 60/7 and 70/8

The 34-Hour Restart Rule

How ELDs Track HOS Rules Automatically?

DOT Hours of Service Training: Learning to Control the Driving Hours

FAQs

References:

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