Drowsy driving slows reaction times, affects decision-making, and reduces awareness. For truck drivers working long hours or irregular shifts, the risk of fatigue increases due to physical strain, disrupted sleep, and tight delivery schedules. Studies show that 30% to 40% of heavy truck accidents are linked to fatigue, often leading to serious injuries or fatalities.
Federal and Missouri laws limit how many hours a truck driver can drive to combat this. These regulations require mandatory rest breaks, maximum daily and weekly driving limits, and accurate logs of driving hours. The goal is to reduce fatigue-related crashes and protect everyone on the road.
At Hurt Trucker Attorneys, we represent truck drivers throughout Missouri who have been injured or penalized because of fatigue-related incidents. Based in Joplin, we have decades of experience holding employers and carriers accountable when illegal schedules or unsafe demands cause driver exhaustion.
Whether you’re a driver injured due to unsafe practices or someone harmed in a fatigue-related accident, our team is here to guide you through understanding your rights and fighting for fair compensation.
Federal Laws Regulating Driver Hours
Driver fatigue is one of the top causes of serious trucking accidents. To reduce this risk, federal laws limit how long truck drivers can work without rest. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces these rules, called the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, to keep both drivers and the public safe.
Following these rules is critical. Violating HOS regulations can lead to fines, being put out of service, and penalties on your safety record. It can also increase your liability if you’re involved in an accident.
Key Hours of Service (HOS) Rules
Here are the main HOS rules for drivers carrying property under 49 C.F.R. Part 395:
- 11-Hour Driving Limit: You can drive for 11 hours after having at least 10 consecutive hours off duty.
- 14-Hour On-Duty Limit: You cannot drive after being on duty for 14 consecutive hours, even if you didn’t drive the entire time.
- 30-Minute Break Rule: After 8 hours of driving, you must take a 30-minute break (off duty or in a sleeper berth) before continuing.
- 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: You cannot drive after working 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days, depending on your carrier’s schedule. Taking 34 consecutive hours off duty resets the clock.
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
Since December 2017, most truck drivers have been using electronic logging devices (ELDs) to track their hours and ensure compliance with HOS rules. While helpful for reducing falsified logs, ELDs can create challenges, such as:
- Errors in recorded hours
- Device malfunctions or misinterpretations by employers or law enforcement
- Unfair penalties based on incorrect data
If you’ve been penalized for ELD issues or struggle to stay compliant, our legal team can review your case and advocate for your rights.
Exemptions and Special Rules
The FMCSA allows specific exemptions to HOS rules in certain situations, including:
- 100-Air-Mile Exemption: For drivers working within a 100-air-mile radius who return to the exact location within 12 hours.
- 150-Air-Mile Exemption: For agricultural and short-haul operations.
- Adverse Driving Conditions Exception: Gives an extra 2 hours of driving in unexpected bad weather or traffic.
- Emergency Declarations: Temporarily suspend HOS rules during emergencies like natural disasters or pandemics.
If you’re unsure whether you qualify for an exemption or believe you were cited unfairly, we can help clarify your rights and provide legal support.
Why HOS Compliance Matters
HOS compliance isn’t just about avoiding fines—it’s about safety and protecting your livelihood. Fatigue slows reaction times, impairs judgment, and increases the chances of accidents. Employers with repeated violations risk lower CSA safety scores, DOT audits, and civil liability.
At Hurt Trucker Attorneys, we’ve been helping truck drivers across Missouri for over 40 years. We’re here to protect your livelihood, navigate federal regulations, and fight for your rights. If you have questions about HOS rules or need legal assistance, we’re ready to help.
Missouri-Specific Regulations for Truck Drivers
While federal laws cover most commercial trucking rules, Missouri has additional state-specific regulations for truck drivers, especially those operating within the state. The Missouri Department of Transportation (MoDOT) and the Missouri State Highway Patrol’s Commercial Vehicle Enforcement Division manage these rules.
Some of the key Missouri trucking regulations include:
Size and Weight Limits
Missouri enforces strict limits on the size and weight of commercial trucks, as outlined in RSMo §§ 304.170. These include:
- Gross weight limits: Trucks cannot exceed 80,000 lbs without special permits.
- Maximum dimensions: Trucks wider than 8 feet, 6 inches or taller than 13 feet, 6 inches require special authorization.
Drivers exceeding these limits must obtain permits. Failure to do so can lead to fines, vehicle impoundment, or legal liability in accidents.
Oversize/Overweight Permits
If your load exceeds Missouri’s size or weight limits, you need a permit from MoDOT’s Oversize/Overweight Permits Office. Without this, you risk:
- Fines or penalties
- Vehicle impoundment
- Civil liability if an accident occurs
We can help verify if permits are needed and assist in appealing enforcement actions.
Fuel Tax Reporting (IFTA)
Missouri is part of the International Fuel Tax Agreement (IFTA), which requires commercial vehicles crossing state lines to:
- File quarterly fuel tax reports.
- Keep detailed mileage and fuel records.
Noncompliance may result in audits, fines, or penalties. We assist drivers with IFTA compliance and help resolve disputes or audit issues.
Intrastate Operating Authority
Carriers operating within Missouri need a state-issued operating authority under RSMo § 390.051. This requires:
- Proof of insurance
- Safety and maintenance records
- Displaying valid USDOT numbers
At Hurt Trucker Attorneys, we help Missouri truck drivers and carriers comply and avoid penalties. We also assist with regulatory conflicts and investigate accidents involving cargo disputes or compliance issues so you can focus on your work with peace of mind.
Penalties for Non-Compliance with Trucking Regulations
Failing to follow federal or Missouri-specific trucking laws can lead to serious legal and financial consequences for drivers and carriers. These penalties can affect your career, your ability to drive, and your business operations.
Truck drivers who violate safety rules, such as hours-of-service regulations, may face the following:
- Fines and Civil Penalties: Issued by the FMCSA or the Missouri State Highway Patrol.
- License Suspension or CDL Disqualification: As stated under RSMo § 302.755.
- Out-of-Service Orders: Temporarily banning the driver from operating a commercial vehicle.
- Criminal Charges: If violations, such as negligence, lead to serious injuries or fatal accidents.
Repeated offenses or incidents involving hazardous materials can result in much harsher penalties.
Staying compliant with regulations is critical to avoid these penalties and to maintain smooth operations.
The Importance of Legal Support
At Hurt Trucker Attorneys, we’ve seen how legal professionals can make a critical difference for drivers who are dealing with fatigue-related accidents or disputes over Hours of Service violations.
Managing the aftermath of a crash, especially one involving a fatigued driver, can be overwhelming. You’re likely concerned about your health, job, and the cost of repairs or hospital bills. On top of that, carriers and insurance companies may attempt to downplay their responsibility. Here are a few reasons why you need a legal advocate:
- Protecting Your Rights: We ensure that evidence is preserved, deadlines are met, and you’re treated fairly by all parties.
- Ensuring Compliance: Trucking laws are complex. We understand where carriers may be non-compliant and how it affects your case.
- Addressing Fatigue Issues: When fatigue plays a part, we know how to document it and hold the right parties accountable.
- Facing Legal Consequences: If you’re under investigation, facing negligence claims, or dealing with disciplinary action from regulators, we’re here to protect you.
Our team has helped countless truck drivers fight for what they’re owed after accidents, drawing on our decades of experience to identify the legal path forward. Whether you’re struggling with medical bills or facing pushback from your employer, let us guide you through the process.
Your Rights as a Truck Driver
Truck drivers should know their rights, especially regarding fatigue, safety, and fair treatment on the job. Here are some key points to keep in mind if you ever feel pressured or uncertain:
Fatigue Regulations
You can refuse to drive if you feel dangerously fatigued, and your employer can’t legally force you to violate Hours of Service rules. If they do, please document everything and contact us for assistance.
Safe Working Conditions
Your employer must maintain vehicles in safe working order, provide adequate training, and ensure you’re not at risk. If you’re assigned an unsafe vehicle or forced to drive in unsafe conditions, we can help you take appropriate steps to protect yourself.
Reporting Violations
If you suspect any breach of safety regulations or are asked to violate these rules, you can report it without fear of retaliation. If you face backlash, contact us to advocate for your rights.
Handling Accidents
After an accident, you still have a say in protecting your interests. That may involve gathering evidence, notifying authorities and your employer, and seeking medical attention. Your employer or insurance company might try to steer the investigation, but you don’t have to accept unfair blame. We’re here to look out for you, whether the accident is related to fatigue or other negligence.
Protect Your Rights with Hurt Trucker Attorneys
At Hurt Trucker Attorneys, we believe that understanding and following fatigue laws is more than just avoiding penalties; it’s about saving lives. By adhering to these regulations, demanding fair treatment from employers, and staying vigilant behind the wheel, you help create safer roads for everyone.
We also recognize that the trucking industry is evolving, with new technologies and automated vehicles on the horizon, which could change how fatigue and safety are managed.
If you ever find yourself in a legal dispute or an accident where fatigue played a part, contact us. We have over four decades of experience in trucking law, and our mission is to advocate for drivers like you.
Contact us at Hurt Trucker Attorneys for a confidential discussion about your situation. Let us help you protect your rights, seek the compensation you deserve, and continue doing the vital work that keeps our country running.