Canada Hours of Service: Everything You Need to Know

Written By Andrew Brooks Published on February 11, 2025 Trucking

Key Takeaways

Canada’s HOS rules limit driving to 13 hours per day and require at least 10 hours of off-duty time to prevent fatigue.
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are mandatory for federally regulated drivers, with Transport Canada requiring third-party certification for compliance.
Matrack ELD provides a certified, plug-and-play solution that ensures accurate log tracking, real-time monitoring, and effortless HOS compliance.
Failure to comply with HOS regulations can result in heavy fines, license suspensions, and vehicle impoundments, making proper tracking essential.

Canada’s Hours of Service (HOS) regulations govern the maximum driving and on-duty hours for commercial truck and bus drivers. These rules ensure road safety by preventing driver fatigue.

The HOS regulations apply only to commercial drivers operating under Canadian federal jurisdiction and differ from U.S. HOS regulations in key areas such as maximum driving limits, off-duty time, and ELD certification.

This guide covers HOS rules, exemptions, electronic logging devices (ELDs), and penalties for violations.

What Are Canada’s Hours of Service Regulations?

The Hours of Service regulations in Canada are designed to prevent driver fatigue and ensure compliance with safe driving limits. These rules are enforced by Transport Canada under the Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours of Service Regulations.

Who Must Comply?

HOS rules apply to commercial drivers operating federally regulated motor carriers, including:

Trucks with a gross vehicle weight exceeding 4,500 kg (9,921 lbs)
Buses designed to transport more than 10 passengers (including the driver)

Who Is Exempt?

Some drivers are exempt from HOS regulations, including:

Short-haul drivers operating within 160 km of their home terminal and returning daily
Emergency service vehicles
Certain farming and agricultural vehicles
Intraprovincial drivers, who follow provincial or territorial regulations

Daily and Weekly Driving Limits

Canada’s HOS rules limit driving hours per day and week to prevent fatigue-related accidents.

Daily Limits

Maximum driving hours: 13 hours in a 24-hour period
Maximum on-duty hours: 14 hours (includes driving and all work-related tasks)
Mandatory off-duty hours: 10 hours total, including:
At least 8 consecutive hours of rest
2 additional hours, which may be split

Work-Shift Rules

Work shift duration: Drivers cannot exceed 16 hours from the start of their shift before taking a mandatory rest period.

Weekly Cycle Limits

Drivers must choose between two cycle options:

Cycle 1: Maximum of 70 on-duty hours over 7 days
Cycle 2: Maximum of 120 on-duty hours over 14 days (with a mandatory 24-hour off-duty break before exceeding 70 hours)

Reset Options:

Cycle 1: Reset to zero after 36 consecutive off-duty hours
Cycle 2: Reset to zero after 72 consecutive off-duty hours

Off-Duty and Rest Period Requirements

Mandatory Rest Periods

To ensure driver well-being, HOS rules require:

At least 8 consecutive hours of off-duty time daily
2 additional off-duty hours, which may be split into multiple breaks

Sleeper Berth Provisions

Drivers using a sleeper berth may split their off-duty time as long as:

Each period is at least 2 hours
The total combined time equals at least 10 hours
The time spent in the berth does not reduce daily rest requirements

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate

What Are ELDs?

An Electronic Logging Device (ELD) is a digital system that automatically records driving hours to ensure compliance with HOS rules. ELDs replace traditional paper logbooks and improve record accuracy.

Canada’s ELD Mandate

As of June 12, 2021, Transport Canada mandated ELD use for federally regulated carriers, with full enforcement from January 1, 2023. Unlike the U.S. self-certification model, Canada requires third-party certified ELDs to ensure accuracy and compliance.

Who Needs an ELD?

All federally regulated commercial drivers must use certified ELDs, except:

Drivers operating under the short-haul exemption
Vehicles manufactured before 2000
Drivers working under an HOS permit

Key Benefits of ELDs

Prevents logbook tampering
Reduces administrative work
Improves enforcement efficiency
Minimizes human errors in tracking driving hours

Special HOS Rules for Different Conditions

Adverse Driving Conditions

Drivers can extend driving time by up to 2 hours if they encounter unpredictable conditions such as:

Severe weather (snowstorms, floods, etc.)
Road closures or accidents
Traffic delays due to unforeseen events

Note: This extension only applies if it does not exceed the 16-hour work shift limit.

Oilfield Operations

Certain oilfield drivers are exempt from regular HOS rules due to long standby periods. These drivers:

Must log waiting time as off-duty
Can have modified work-rest schedules

North of 60° (Northern Canada) Rules

Drivers operating above the 60th parallel have different rules:

Maximum driving time: 15 hours
Maximum work shift: 20 hours
Mandatory off-duty time: 8 consecutive hours

Penalties for HOS Violations

Non-compliance with HOS regulations leads to fines, license suspensions, or vehicle impoundment. Common violations include:

Exceeding maximum driving hours
Failing to take mandatory rest breaks
Using unauthorized log modifications
Not using a certified ELD (if required)

HOS Violation Penalties

First-time offenses: Fines from $300 to $2,000
Repeat offenses: Higher fines and possible out-of-service orders
Severe violations: Suspension of operating licenses or criminal charges

HOS Compliance Best Practices

Use Certified ELDs

Ensure that your ELD is Transport Canada-certified to avoid compliance issues.

Plan Rest Breaks in Advance

Schedule driving shifts with adequate breaks to prevent violations.

Keep Logbooks Up to Date

Drivers must accurately record their hours in ELDs or paper logs (if exempt).

Train Drivers on HOS Rules

Regular training helps avoid violations and ensures safe operations.

Monitor Compliance with Fleet Management Software

Fleet operators should track real-time driver hours using automated compliance tools.

Matrack ELD: A Reliable Solution for HOS Compliance

Matrack ELD makes HOS compliance effortless by automatically tracking driving hours and preventing violations. The system helps drivers stay compliant with Transport Canada’s regulations while reducing paperwork and administrative work.

Setting up the Matrack ELD is quick and hassle-free—just plug it in, and you’re good to go. It works with all types of vehicles, providing real-time tracking, automated logs, and instant alerts to help drivers manage their time on the road.

Fleet managers can handle compliance tasks in just one click with the Matrack Fleet Manager Dashboard. From HOS reports and IFTA filings to safety audits and DOT inspections, everything is streamlined—no extra costs, no hidden fees, just smooth operations.

Conclusion

Canada’s Hours of Service (HOS) regulations are designed to prevent driver fatigue and enhance road safety. Commercial truck and bus drivers must comply with daily, weekly, and off-duty requirements, while Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are mandatory for most operators. Unlike the U.S., Canada enforces stricter ELD compliance through third-party certification.

Understanding HOS rules, exemptions, and compliance strategies is crucial for both drivers and fleet managers to maintain safe and legal operations.