Key Takeaways:

  • Only the 34-hour restart resets the 60/70-hour driving limit under FMCSA rules.
  • Drivers must take 34 consecutive off-duty hours with no work or interruptions.
  • Using the restart smartly improves weekly driving hours and avoids violations.
  • Matrack’s ELD helps track restarts in real time and keeps drivers fully compliant.

What is the 34-Hour Restart Rule?

If a truck driver takes 34 hours off in a row, they can start fresh with their work hours. This break clears out the hours they’ve already worked in the past week.

Drivers can only work 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days. After resting for 34 hours straight, that weekly limit resets, and they’re good to go again.

Key Requirements:

  • Must be 34 hours in a row: No breaks or interruptions during this time.
  • No work allowed: You can’t do any paid work, driving, or anything job-related.
  • Use it anytime: There’s no limit on how often you can reset, as long as you follow the rules.

How to Use the 34-Hour Restart Efficiently?

Plan Around Downtime

Pick a time when you already have to wait, like during long loading delays or weekends. This way, the 34-hour break doesn’t waste valuable drive time.

Use Sleeper Berth Wisely

Even if you sleep in your truck, the 34-hour break must be one full stretch. You can’t split it up like regular sleeper berth hours.

Logbook Accuracy

Make sure your electronic logbook shows every off-duty minute correctly. Mistakes can lead to big fines or time off the road.

Benefits of 34-Hour Restart for Fleets and Drivers

For Fleets:

For Drivers:

  • More Rest: Supports wellness and long-term health.
  • Fewer Violations: Avoids costly citations and penalties.
  • Increased Productivity: Maximizes weekly hours post-reset.

When is a 34-Hour Restart Most Beneficial?

  • You are approaching the 60/70-hour limit and have upcoming long hauls.
  • You face extended delays or off-duty time between assignments.
  • You want a clean duty cycle for maximum availability in the following week.

What is the 24-Hour Restart Concept?

The 24-hour restart is not allowed under current FMCSA rules. Taking 24 hours off does not reset the weekly driving limit.

Some drivers used to think 24 hours off was enough, based on older or state-specific rules. But only a 34-hour break resets the 60/70-hour clock now.

Key Difference: 24 vs 34-Hour Restart

Feature24-Hour Restart34-Hour Restart
Legal Recognition❌ Not recognized by FMCSA✅ Fully recognized by FMCSA
Clock Reset❌ No reset✅ Resets 60/70-hour limit
Required Duration24 hours (commonly mistaken)34 hours of consecutive off-duty
Safety Benefits❌ No proven benefits✅ Scientifically proven fatigue reduction
Compliance Advantage❌ Misleads logs and creates risk✅ Ensures clean and compliant records

Impact on Earnings and Delivery Schedules

Taking a 34-hour restart can cut into your weekly hours if you don’t need it. That means you might lose time to earn or complete shorter trips.

But when used at the right moment, it helps you get more driving hours later. It also makes you ready for longer trips and keeps you well-rested to drive safely. 

Penalties for Violating Restart Rules

FMCSA imposes strict penalties for non-compliance:

  • Fines ranging from $1,000 to $11,000 per violation.
  • Driver disqualification from service.
  • Impact on fleet safety records, affecting insurance and client contracts.

Electronic logging devices (ELDs) automatically track HOS. Misuse or tampering with these logs results in serious legal consequences.

Simplify Driver Restarts with Matrack’s ELD Solution

matrack eld device

Matrack’s ELD Compliance Solution helps drivers track hours automatically, making 34-hour restarts simple and stress-free. The device logs every shift, alerting drivers before they hit their HOS limits to avoid violations.

Drivers can install the ELD in 5 minutes and start tracking restarts with real-time updates. It works on any vehicle and sends data directly to the FMCSA, making rest periods easy to monitor and prove during inspections.