How Many Hours Can a Truck Driver Drive?

A truck driver can drive a maximum of 11 hours in a 24-hour period. When it comes to how many hours can a truck driver drive in Louisiana, they’re subject to the same driving hours as all other commercial truck drivers in the United States. These regulations are set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which establishes national guidelines for commercial truck drivers.

As mentioned above, the FMCSA grants a truck driver a maximum of 11 hours in a 24-hour period, no matter what state they’re in. After being on the road for 11 hours, the driver must then take a break of at least 10 consecutive hours before driving again. FMCSA regulations also limit the number of hours a driver can work each week. Depending on the employer’s schedule, a driver has a total of 60 hours in a 7-day period or 70 hours of driving in an 8-day period. However, before beginning a new work week, a break is required of at least 34 consecutive hours once the set number of hours is reached.

So, how many hours can a truck driver drive in Louisiana? 11 every 24 hours. Keep in mind that these regulations are subject to change and some employers may have more policies on top of these regulations to ensure the safety of their drivers and others on the road.

Since thousands of commercial trucks travel daily across Louisiana’s sprawling highways and interstates, they can become a danger to other drivers on the road in seconds for various reasons. If you’re suffering a personal injury after being involved in a truck accident, consult with a truck accident lawyer at Gordon McKernan Injury Attorneys. Our team has proudly served the citizens of for decades. Call us today for a FREE consultation, so we can get started on getting the compensation you deserve!