What is the Split Sleeper Berth Rule?

Key Takeaways: Split Sleeper Berth Explained Split Sleeper Berth Rule is a regulation under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that allows commercial drivers…

Written by: Andrew Brooks

Edited by: Matrack Inc

Updated: 04/03/25 | Published: 04/03/25

Key Takeaways:

The split sleeper berth rule let’s truck drivers legally divide their 10-hour rest into two parts.
One break must be at least 7 hours in the sleeper berth, and the other must be at least 2 hours off-duty or in the sleeper.
The 14-hour driving window pauses between the two breaks if taken back-to-back with no driving in between.
Accurate ELD logging and understanding break timing are essential for using the rule without violating HOS limits.

Split Sleeper Berth Explained

Split Sleeper Berth Rule is a regulation under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) that allows commercial drivers to legally divide their required off-duty time into two separate periods, without violating Hours of Service (HOS) requirements. This rule increases flexibility for truck drivers managing fatigue and compliance.

How Does a Split Sleeper Berth Work?

Split sleeper berth works by allowing truck drivers to divide their 10-hour rest into two separate breaks instead of taking all 10 hours at once. This gives more control over schedules and helps drivers avoid violating Hours of Service (HOS) rules during long trips.

One of the two breaks must be at least 7 hours long and taken entirely in the sleeper berth. The other break must be at least 2 hours long and can be spent off-duty, in the sleeper berth, or a mix of both. These two breaks must add up to 10 full hours.

The breaks must be taken one after the other, with no driving or on-duty work in between. If both breaks meet the time and order requirements, the 14-hour driving window pauses between them, giving drivers more legal driving time.

How to Use a Split Sleeper Berth?

Understand the Break Requirements

You must take two separate breaks:

One of at least 7 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth
One of at least 2 consecutive hours, either off-duty, in the sleeper berth, or both

Together, these breaks must add up to at least 10 hours.

Make Sure the Breaks Are Consecutive

Each rest period must be uninterrupted. No driving, no on-duty work in between. Only sleeper or off-duty time.

Use the Right Order

You can take the 2-hour break first and the 7-hour sleeper berth later, or the other way around. The order doesn’t matter — as long as both breaks are valid.

Pause the 14-Hour Driving Window

The time between the two qualifying breaks does not count toward your 14-hour limit. This helps extend your working hours legally.

Log Your Time Correctly in the ELD

Use the correct status.

Select “Sleeper Berth” for the 7+ hour break.
Select “Off Duty” or “Sleeper” for the 2+ hour break.
Make sure both are clearly marked and consecutive in your Electronic Logging Device (ELD).

Resume Driving After the Second Break

Once the second break is done, you regain driving hours from before the first break — as long as you didn’t go over your 11-hour drive time or 14-hour window (minus the paused time).

Quick Example

6:00 AM: Start your day.
10:00 AM to 12:00 PM: Take a 2-hour off-duty break.
12:00 PM to 6:00 PM: Work or drive
6:00 PM to 2:00 AM: Take an 8-hour sleeper berth break.

After 2:00 AM, you can keep driving, and your 14-hour window starts from 12:00 PM (the time after your first break), not 6:00 AM.

Split Sleeper Berth Exemptions

There are no specific exemptions from the split sleeper berth rule itself, but some drivers fall under exceptions in the broader Hours of Service (HOS) regulations that change how or when the rule can be used.

Short-Haul Exemption

Drivers who qualify for the short-haul exemption don’t need to use the sleeper berth rule at all.

They operate within a 150 air-mile radius
Return to the same location each day
Complete their workday within 14 hours

These drivers aren’t required to take a full 10-hour break or log sleeper berth time.

Adverse Driving Conditions Exception

If a driver faces adverse driving conditions (like weather or traffic) that slow them down, they can extend their drive time by up to 2 hours. This may shift how they use the sleeper berth, but it doesn’t change the rule itself.

Emergency Exemption

During declared emergencies, FMCSA may temporarily waive HOS regulations, including sleeper berth requirements. These are announced publicly and only apply during the emergency period.

Common Misunderstandings

Misconception 1: “I can split my rest into three parts”

False. Only two qualifying segments count for split rest. Breaking rest into multiple short periods will violate HOS.

Misconception 2: “I can drive immediately after any break”

False. Each segment must meet time and sequence requirements. Driving too soon can trigger a violation.

Misconception 3: “Any 10-hour off-duty total counts”

False. To pause the 14-hour clock, segments must follow split rest timing and order.

Best Practices for Split Sleeper Use

Plan rest strategically

Start your shift with a short 2-hour break if you expect long waits later. This helps pause your 14-hour work clock and gives you more flexibility to finish driving later in the day.

Log accurately

Always enter both rest segments with the exact start and end times. Choose the correct duty status, like “Sleeper Berth” or “Off-Duty,” in your ELD to stay compliant.

Monitor ELD alerts

Your electronic logging device usually shows alerts when your break qualifies for the split rule. These alerts make it easier to avoid mistakes and stay within Hours of Service rules.

Review drive time after the second break

You only get back your unused drive time once the second break is complete. Always double-check your ELD before hitting the road to make sure your clock is reset properly.

Avoid overuse

Use split sleeper only when needed, like during delays, traffic, or tight schedules. Relying on it daily can make your routine harder to manage and lead to logging mistakes.

Use GPS fleet tracking

GPS fleet tracking helps dispatchers monitor driver rest periods in real-time. It also keeps records clean and makes it easier to plan routes that fit the split sleeper rule.

Conclusion

The split sleeper berth rule helps truck drivers break their rest time into two parts, giving them more control over their driving schedule. By following the FMCSA guidelines, drivers can pause their 14-hour clock and avoid violations while staying safe and well-rested.

To use the rule correctly, drivers need to track time accurately, use proper duty status in the ELD, and take the breaks back-to-back. When used right, it improves flexibility during long trips, delays, and tight delivery windows.

Written by:

Andrew Brooks

Andrew is a seasoned expert with over a decade of experience in telematics technology and the trucking industry. His deep expertise encompasses the implementation and optimization of Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs), fleet tracking systems, and comprehensive fleet management solutions. Throughout his career, Andrew has advised numerous transportation companies on compliance with the ELD mandate, enhancing operational efficiency through advanced telematics, and leveraging data-driven insights for strategic decision-making. Andrew’s experience includes leading initiatives that have streamlined fleet operations, improved safety metrics, and ensured adherence to regulatory standards across diverse fleets. He has also contributed his knowledge to the development of industry best practices, helping fleet managers and logistics professionals navigate the complexities of telematics integration and regulatory compliance. In addition to his industry work, Andrew has authored several authoritative articles on ELD technology, fleet tracking innovations, and the future of telematics in the trucking industry. His commitment to staying at the forefront of industry trends and delivering actionable insights has made him a trusted resource for professionals seeking to optimize their fleet operations. Andrew holds certifications in telematics systems management and has been recognized for his contributions to enhancing fleet safety and efficiency. His articles are widely respected for their depth of knowledge, practical advice, and focus on advancing the trucking industry through technology-driven solutions.