Big Rig Daily · Free Driver Tools

Hours of Service Break Calculator

Enter the time you come on duty after 10 hours off to sketch out your driving day under the federal 11 hour, 14 hour and 30 minute break rules. Everything runs in your browser.

Planning aid only. This calculator is a planning aid only, not legal advice. Your ELD and the FMCSA hours of service rules in 49 CFR Part 395 govern your actual hours. It assumes a property-carrying driver starting after 10 consecutive hours off duty, and it does not cover the sleeper berth split, the 60 and 70 hour weekly limits, short-haul or adverse driving exceptions, or state rules.

How the hours of service calculator works

Under the federal rules for property-carrying drivers, a driver may drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, and may not drive after the 14th hour since coming on duty. A 30-minute break is required after 8 cumulative hours of driving. The calculator lays those three limits on top of your start time.

It starts the 14 hour clock when you come on duty, adds your pre-trip time, schedules your 30-minute break at the point you choose (no later than 8 hours of driving), then adds any other non-driving time such as loading, fueling or a meal. It shows when driving has to stop and whether the 11 hour limit or the 14 hour window ends your day first.

What the calculator does not cover

The plan assumes one simple day of driving. It does not handle the sleeper berth split, the 60 hour and 70 hour weekly limits, the 34 hour restart, the short-haul exceptions or the adverse driving conditions extension. For those, read our plain English ELD and hours of service rules guide, and always go by what your ELD shows and what the FMCSA rules say.

Frequently Asked Questions

How does the 14 hour rule work?

After 10 consecutive hours off duty, a property-carrying driver may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty. The clock keeps running through meals, fuel stops and other breaks, so off-duty time during the day does not extend it.

When do I have to take a 30 minute break?

The federal rule requires a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving without at least a 30-minute interruption. The break can be on duty not driving, off duty, sleeper berth or a mix of those taken back to back. Drivers who qualify for the short-haul exceptions do not need it.

Can I drive 11 hours and still take a break?

Yes, as long as everything fits inside the 14 hour window. A driver who starts at 6:00 AM, does a 15 minute pre-trip and takes a 30 minute break after 8 hours of driving can finish 11 hours of driving at 5:45 PM, before the window closes at 8:00 PM.

Is this calculator legal advice?

No. It is a planning aid only. Your ELD and the FMCSA hours of service rules govern your actual hours, and exceptions or company policies may change what applies to you.