Documentation Index
Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.catenatelematics.com/llms.txt
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Hours of Service (HOS) regulations govern how long commercial drivers can operate vehicles and when they must rest. Access real-time duty status, available hours, and compliance data through Catena’s unified API.
What is Hours of Service?
Hours of Service rules are federal regulations that limit driving time and mandate rest periods for commercial motor vehicle drivers. These rules prevent driver fatigue, reduce accidents, and ensure compliance across the freight industry.HOS compliance is legally required for interstate commercial drivers in the U.S. (FMCSA) and Canada (Transport Canada). Non-compliance results in fines, out-of-service violations, and increased liability.
Key HOS Benefits
Legal Compliance
Meet FMCSA and DOT requirements automatically with real-time HOS tracking and violation alerts
Safety & Risk Reduction
Prevent fatigued driving by enforcing mandatory rest periods and driving time limits
Real-Time Fleet Visibility
Monitor driver availability, plan dispatches, and optimize routes based on available hours
Audit & Inspection Ready
Maintain compliant electronic logs for roadside inspections and regulatory audits
HOS Duty Status Types
Driving
Driving
Driver is actively operating a commercial motor vehicle. This status is automatically recorded when the vehicle is in motion and counts against daily driving limits.U.S. Limit: 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
On Duty (Not Driving)
On Duty (Not Driving)
Driver is working but not driving the vehicle. Includes activities like:
- Loading/unloading cargo
- Vehicle inspections
- Fueling
- Paperwork and administrative tasks
Off Duty
Off Duty
Driver is relieved from all work and duty responsibilities. This time does not count toward duty limits and helps reset daily driving hours.Required: Minimum 10 consecutive hours before starting a new duty period
Sleeper Berth
Sleeper Berth
Driver is resting in the vehicle’s designated sleeper berth compartment. Can be used for split sleeper berth provisions to extend available driving time.Split Provision: Drivers can split the required 10-hour off-duty period into two periods (8/2 or 7/3 splits)
How HOS Data Flows
ELD Captures Events
Electronic Logging Devices automatically record engine status, vehicle motion, and duty status changes directly from the vehicle’s engine control module (ECM).
ELDs are federally mandated for most commercial carriers and eliminate manual paper logs.
Driver Updates Status
Drivers manually update their duty status when transitioning between activities (e.g., switching from driving to on-duty not driving for a vehicle inspection).
TSP Processes Data
Telematics Service Providers aggregate, validate, and store HOS logs. They calculate available hours and detect potential violations based on FMCSA rules.
U.S. HOS Regulations Summary
| Regulation | Limit | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Driving Time | 11 hours | Maximum driving allowed after 10 consecutive hours off duty |
| On-Duty Window | 14 hours | Maximum time on duty before requiring 10 hours off |
| Rest Requirement | 10 hours | Consecutive off-duty time needed to reset daily limits |
| Weekly Limit | 60/70 hours | Cannot drive after 60 hours on-duty in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days |
| Break Requirement | 30 minutes | Required break after 8 cumulative hours of driving |
Common HOS Use Cases
Compliance Monitoring
Build real-time dashboards that alert dispatchers when drivers approach HOS limits or violations occur
Dispatch Optimization
Schedule loads based on driver availability and remaining hours to maximize fleet utilization
Audit & Reporting
Generate compliance reports for DOT audits, FMCSA inspections, and internal safety reviews
Driver Mobile Apps
Provide drivers with real-time HOS status, remaining available hours, and violation alerts
Access HOS Data with Catena
Catena unifies HOS data from the telematics providers into a single, standardized API. Retrieve driver duty status, available hours, and historical logs without managing provider-specific formats. See the API Reference for complete endpoint documentation and request/response examples.Ready to Get Started?
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