Federal vs Texas intrastate limits
Drivers crossing state lines, or carrying interstate freight, follow the federal rules in 49 CFR Part 395. Drivers who stay in Texas and haul intrastate freight follow the Texas rules in 37 Tex. Admin. Code ยง4.12.
| Limit | Federal (property-carrying) | Texas intrastate |
|---|---|---|
| Rest before the shift | 10 consecutive hours off duty | 8 consecutive hours off duty |
| Driving limit | 11 hours | 12 hours |
| Duty limit | No driving after the 14th hour since coming on duty (a clock that doesn't stop for breaks) | No driving after being on duty 15 hours |
| Rest break | 30 minutes after 8 cumulative hours of driving | Not part of the Texas rule summarized here |
| Weekly limit | 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days | 70 hours in 7 days |
| Restart | 34 consecutive hours off duty | 34 consecutive hours off duty |
| Adverse driving conditions | Up to 2 extra hours | Up to 2 extra hours |
Both systems have exceptions: short-haul operations within 150 air-miles, agricultural seasons, oilfield and construction work, and utility vehicles. The calculator doesn't apply them. For the full comparison, read Texas intrastate vs federal hours of service.
Why hours of service matter after a crash
Driver fatigue is one of the most-investigated causes of truck crashes. ELD records show exactly when a driver was on duty and driving, and a violation can be strong evidence of negligence. See hours-of-service and maintenance violations in crashes.