February 25, 2026 | Truck Accidents
Commercial trucks move goods through Scranton, Pennsylvania, every day, traveling along busy I-81 and I-84 corridors. These vehicles are essential to the economy, but they can also pose serious risks when drivers are overworked or fatigued.
If you were involved in a truck accident, you may be wondering whether the driver was following the law and how many hours a truck driver can legally drive. Here is what you need to know.
Federal Hours-of-Service Rules for Truck Drivers in Scranton
Most commercial truck drivers operating in Pennsylvania must comply with federal Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations. These are enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). HOS rules are designed to limit how long drivers can operate large commercial vehicles without adequate rest to reduce fatigue-related crashes.
Because trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, even a moment of drowsiness can have devastating consequences. The following limits apply to most commercial truck drivers:
11-Hour Driving Limit
The 11-hour rule limits the total time a truck driver may spend actively driving after a qualifying rest period. Regulations state:
- A driver must take at least 10 consecutive hours off duty before starting a shift.
- After that, the driver may drive up to 11 total hours.
- Once 11 hours are reached, the driver must stop and take another qualifying rest period.
This rule applies strictly to driving time. Even if a driver feels alert, exceeding 11 hours behind the wheel is a violation.
14-Hour On-Duty Limit
In addition to the 11-hour driving limit, drivers are also subject to a strict 14-hour workday window. Regulations state:
- The 14-hour clock begins when the driver comes on duty after 10 consecutive hours off.
- During that window, the driver may perform work tasks such as driving, loading, inspections, fueling, and paperwork.
- After the 14th hour, the driver cannot drive again until taking another 10 consecutive hours off duty.
Short breaks do not pause or extend this 14-hour window. The rule exists to prevent excessively long workdays that increase fatigue and impair judgment.
30-Minute Break Requirement
Federal rules also require drivers to take breaks during extended driving periods. Regulations state:
- After 8 cumulative hours of driving, a driver must take at least a 30-minute break.
- The break may be off-duty, in the sleeper berth, or on-duty but not driving.
This requirement is meant to reduce fatigue and improve alertness before continuing the trip.
60/70-Hour Weekly Limit
Hours-of-Service rules also limit total weekly work time. Regulations state:
- No more than 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days, or
- 70 hours on duty in 8 consecutive days, depending on the carrier’s schedule.
Drivers may reset the weekly limit by taking 34 consecutive hours off duty, after which the weekly clock restarts. These weekly caps are especially important for long-haul drivers traveling through corridors like I-81 near Scranton, where multi-day fatigue can increase the risk of serious crashes.
Are There Pennsylvania State Rules for Truck Driver Hours?
In most cases, no separate Pennsylvania-specific hour limits apply to interstate commercial truck drivers. Pennsylvania follows federal Hours-of-Service regulations. That means the same 11-hour, 14-hour, break, and weekly limits discussed above generally apply to truck drivers operating throughout the state.
Why These Rules Matter for Scranton Truck Accident Victims
Federal Hours-of-Service limits are not technicalities. They exist to protect you and your family from the dangers of fatigued drivers. Fatigue can lead to:
- Slower reaction times
- Delayed braking
- Lane drifting or failure to maintain control
- Poor decision-making in heavy traffic
- Falling asleep at the wheel
If you were injured in a truck accident, a detailed investigation may uncover whether the driver violated Hours-of-Service rules.
Contact Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC To Schedule a Free Consultation With a Scranton Truck Accident Attorney
Federal Hours-of-Service rules strictly limit how many hours a truck driver can operate in Scranton, PA, to reduce fatigue and prevent serious crashes. When drivers or trucking companies ignore these limits, the risk of devastating accidents increases.If you were injured in a truck accident, contact Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC to schedule a free consultation with a Scranton truck accident attorney.
For more information, contact Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC to schedule a free consultation with our experienced personal injury attorneys. We proudly serve clients in Scranton, Kingston, Berwick, PA, and Columbia, Lackawanna, Luzerne Counties. We’re here to fight for your rights with trusted, experienced legal support. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Fellerman & Ciarimboli, Law PC Scranton
436 Spruce St Suite 100, Scranton, PA 18503
(570) 714-4878
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