30-Minute Break Rule
Drivers must take a 30-minute break before driving if more than 8 cumulative hours have passed since the last off-duty or sleeper-berth period of at least 30 minutes.
The rule
Drivers must take a 30-minute break before driving if more than 8 cumulative hours have passed since the last off-duty or sleeper-berth period of at least 30 minutes.
How it works in practice
Your ELD tracks driving time automatically. Plan loads with this clock in mind — once it runs out, you must stop wherever you are, which can mean a parking-lot night at a truck stop.
Plan it before dispatch
Check the driver's available clocks, pickup and delivery windows, parking options, and realistic travel time before assigning a load affected by 30-Minute Break Rule. A route that only works when every stop is perfect is not a workable plan.
Violations and records
Hours-of-service violations can lead to roadside out-of-service orders, civil penalties, and compliance scrutiny. Keep the ELD record and supporting documents accurate; do not edit logs to make a dispatch plan appear legal.
Exceptions
Short-haul, adverse-driving-conditions, sleeper-berth, and personal-conveyance provisions have specific conditions. An exception should be verified against the current rule and documented; it should not be used as extra time in an ordinary plan.
Put the guidance into your fleet workflow
Create a fleet workspace for drivers, vehicles, records, and dispatch.
Frequently asked
Does this rule apply to all commercial drivers?
It applies to property-carrying CMV drivers operating in interstate commerce. Some states adopt the federal rules for intrastate carriers too.
Where do I log this?
Drivers who are required to use an ELD should record duty status on a registered, compliant device. Limited exceptions exist; verify eligibility against current FMCSA guidance before relying on one.