Many people wonder how many miles a truck driver is legally allowed to cover in a single day. Interestingly, there is no strict mileage cap. Instead, the limit is controlled by federal and state hours of service rules, along with speed restrictions, weather, and traffic conditions.
Hours of Service Rules and Daily Driving Limits
Federal law allows truck drivers to operate up to 11 hours within a 14 hour work window after taking at least 10 consecutive hours off duty. They must also take a 30 minute break after eight hours of driving. In California, intrastate drivers may drive up to 12 hours within a 16 hour window, but they are still required to rest for at least 10 consecutive hours before starting again. These rules place a natural ceiling on how far truck drivers can go each day.
Typical Daily Mileage
On average, truckers drive between 400 and 600 miles in a day. Long haul drivers on highways can reach the higher end of this range, while local drivers, who often deal with stop and go traffic, usually drive fewer miles. With restrictions on driving hours and lower truck speed limits in many states such as California, the practical daily mileage is often around 500 to 600 miles.
Other Factors That Influence Mileage
Several elements affect how far a driver can travel safely. Road conditions, weather, traffic congestion, and the number of required stops all play a role. Speed limits are also a major factor, since commercial trucks are often restricted to slower speeds than passenger vehicles. These limitations are designed to protect both truck drivers and others on the road by reducing fatigue and preventing high speed collisions.
Why This Matters
Understanding the rules around truck driver hours and mileage is important for public safety. Fatigue is one of the leading causes of trucking accidents, and when drivers or companies ignore these regulations, the consequences can be devastating. Violations can serve as critical evidence in personal injury claims, showing that safety rules were broken.
At Hillstone Law, we know how complex trucking accident cases can be. Our team has the knowledge and resources to investigate driver logs, compliance issues, and company practices to ensure victims receive the compensation they deserve.
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