Mandatory break during 11 hours driving

Discussion in 'Questions From New Drivers' started by ruiz212, Sep 25, 2007.

  1. ruiz212

    ruiz212 Bobtail Member

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    Dec 29, 2006
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    Yes i do take breaks during my allowed 11 hours of driving my question is, are we required by "law" to take a break during our 11 hours??? Reason for question is two different trainers two different answers. One says you must take one full consecutive (spelling??) break during your 11 hours, second one says you must take one full hour break but you can take it as two half hour breaks during your 11. Not talking about fueling, loading, etc.... just line one. Or is the old timer who told me you can run your 11 straight thru without stopping for a break correct (my bladder would explode!!!!)????
    Thanks.
     
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  3. Scarecrow03

    Scarecrow03 Road Train Member

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    Sep 27, 2006
    In Your Head
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    To the best of my knowledge, there is no rule in the FMCSA that requires a break during your 11 hrs. However, a DOT officer might question whether or not you really drove 11 hrs straight. One could respond to the officer that they did stop, but the stop took less than 7.5 minutes and therefore didn't require a log entry.

    One thing to keep in mind is that your company might require a logged break during your driving day.
     
  4. Powder Joints

    Powder Joints Subjective Prognosticator

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    If youve ever ran with me would find that I can and do run that hard at times. You are however less likely to get questioned if you show a couple of off duty (line 1) and maybe a couple tire or vehicle inspection here or there.

    The paperwork is about making DOT happy.. comply its far easier to show them what they want to see, like give up 15 minutes when you fuel. legally you can just flag it, show it with a VI and give them the 15 its time well spent.
     
  5. Cynical Driver

    Cynical Driver <strong>"Eternal Cynic"</strong>

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    Wisconsin
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    I have and, when the load allows, prefer to drive 11hrs straight through. The point about making them happy is absolutely correct though. Stop for a bit (usually a bathroom break) and log it as a 15 even if you only stop for 5 min.

    Here's the loop: You are not "required" to log a stop if it is less than 7.5 min... But, you CAN! So this will, in effect, give you an extra 10 min of drive time, which will help bring your average speed for the day up.
     
  6. justme196547

    justme196547 Bobtail Member

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    Mar 28, 2010
    Orange City,Florida
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    When i stop for a 3 minute pee stop do i have to flag it with the city and state i'm in?
     
  7. Roadmedic

    Roadmedic Road Train Member

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    You are not required to log a stop if it is less than 7.5 minutes, but you have to note the change of duty and location.
     
  8. Scuby

    Scuby Heavy Load Member

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    Mar 10, 2007
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    I can't drive 11 hours without at least a couple pit stops along the way. Most companies prefer you stop every so often to do a tire check. Most reefer companies require their drivers to check the reefer every 3 or 4 hours.
     
  9. wsyrob

    wsyrob Trucker Forum STAFF Staff Member

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    Winston Salem
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    Its much better for you physically to stop and walk around a little every few hours. You are asking for blood clots in your legs if you drive 11 hour stretches regularly.
     
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