The DOT Hours of Service (HOS) rules limit how long truck drivers can work and drive. These rules help prevent truck driver fatigue related crashes. In Michigan truck accident cases, proving a driver broke HOS rules can be strong evidence of negligence and may increase your compensation.
When a truck crash happens in Michigan, an experienced lawyer will first check if the driver and trucking company followed federal and state HOS regulations. These safety rules come from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and Michigan law. They keep very tired truck drivers off the road.
Sadly, many truck drivers break these rules. Trucking companies often pressure drivers to meet tight and unrealistic deadlines. Drivers may drive too many hours or skip required rest breaks. This greatly raises the chance of a serious crash. After a crash, logbooks, electronic logging device (ELD) data, and other records can show if a driver broke these rules. If they did, it can prove negligence, strengthen your claim, and help you get more in a settlement.
If you were hurt in a truck crash, your first call should be to an experienced truck crash attorney who will know how to spot FMCSA and HOS violations and get you the compensation you deserve for your pain and suffering, lost wages, and medical bills.
Why HOS Violations Matter in Michigan Truck Crash Claims
HOS violations can prove liability. Under Michigan law, if a truck driver or company breaks a safety rule meant to protect the public (like the FMCSA’s HOS rules), it shows they failed their duty of care. This is called “negligence per se.” Such evidence can help you win damages for medical costs, lost income, and pain.
Also, HOS records can show if a trucking company often breaks the rules. For example, they may pressure drivers to meet tough deadlines or fake logbooks to hide overtime. Showing a pattern of rule-breaking can support claims for punitive damages and lead to bigger jury awards
The DOT Driving and Rest Rules for Michigan Truck Drivers
Michigan enforces federal HOS rules for interstate and most intrastate trucking. The main rules for property-carrying commercial vehicle drivers are:
- 11-hour driving limit: Drivers can drive up to 11 hours after 10 hours off duty.
- 14-hour limit: Drivers can’t drive past 14 hours after coming on duty, following 10 hours off duty. Off-duty time does not extend this 14-hour period.
- 60/70-hour on-duty limit: Drivers can’t drive after 60 or 70 hours on duty in 7 or 8 consecutive days. A new cycle starts after 34 or more hours off duty.
- Sleeper berth rule: Drivers using a sleeper berth must take at least 8 consecutive hours there, plus 2 more hours off duty, in the berth, or a mix.
Passenger-carrying drivers have slightly different rules, such as a 10-hour driving limit after 8 hours off duty and a 15-hour on-duty cap.
When Do the HOS Rules Apply in Michigan?
HOS rules apply to drivers operating commercial vehicles in interstate commerce and many intrastate operations under Michigan law. Some vehicles are exempt, like certain farm vehicles, government trucks, or local deliveries.
What Counts as “On-Duty” Time?
In a truck crash case, “on-duty” time includes:
- All driving time.
- Time at terminals or loading docks waiting to work (unless relieved).
- Inspecting, fixing, or servicing the truck.
- Taking drug or alcohol tests.
- Any work for the trucking company or paid work for another employer.
Drivers can break HOS limits even when not driving if other work pushes them over the allowed hours.
Penalties for HOS Violations
If a driver breaks HOS rules:
- They can be put out of service until they get enough rest.
- FMCSA and state agencies can fine drivers or carriers hundreds to thousands of dollars per violation.
- Carriers can get worse safety ratings.
- Willful violations can lead to federal criminal charges against companies or officers.
In injury lawsuits, these penalties and records can help prove negligence and make your claim stronger.
Proving HOS Violations After a Michigan Truck Crash
Proving an HOS violation requires timely evidence preservation. Key evidence includes:
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data – automatically records driving time.
- Paper logbooks (if applicable).
- Fuel receipts and toll records – can reveal inconsistencies.
- GPS and telematics data – shows truck movement and idle times.
- Dispatch and delivery records – prove schedules that may have encouraged violations.
An attorney can issue a spoliation letter to ensure this evidence is preserved before it’s deleted or overwritten.
How HOS Evidence Can Strengthen Your Case
HOS violations can:
- Prove driver fatigue was a factor in the crash.
- Prove the company did not monitor or enforce rules.
- Reveal a pattern of negligence, supporting punitive damages.
- Increase chances of a good settlement, as companies want to avoid a jury seeing rule-breaking.
Why an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer Is Critical
Truck accident cases with HOS violations are complicated. A skilled lawyer:
- Knows how to get and understand ELD and logbook data.
- Understands FMCSA rules and Michigan’s laws.
- Can find if a company encouraged breaking rules.
- Works with experts to explain fatigue’s role in the crash to a jury.
Without this help, key evidence may be missed, and you may get less compensation.
The Importance of an Attorney in Proving HOS and other violations
If you’ve been injured in a Michigan truck crash and suspect driver fatigue or HOS violations played a role, your case may be stronger than you think. The DOT driving and rest rules exist to protect the public, and when they’re broken, those responsible should be held accountable.
Contact an experienced Michigan commercial truck crash lawyer who understands these regulations and can fight for the full and fair compensation you deserve.