10 Common Canadian Hours-of-Service Violations And How To Avoid Them
The Canadian Hours-of-Service (HOS) regulations for commercial drivers are some of the most important regulations in the trucking industry. In order to avoid the consequences of hours-of-service violation penalties, out-of-service orders, and regulatory scores on your company and driver profiles, it’s important that drivers understand and follow these regulations.
Read on to review the 10 most common HOS violations and how to avoid them.
What Are The Penalties For Violating The Hours-Of-Service Rules?
Drivers or carriers who breach motor vehicle transport regulations, including the Canadian hours-of-service rules, can face steep penalties, including:
- Monetary fines against the driver or carrier
- Out-of-service declarations
- Driver or carrier audit by the Ministry of Transportation
- A downgraded safety rating for the carrier
10 Common Canadian HOS Rule Violations & How To Avoid Them
1. Poor driver log book form & manner
Canada’s log book rules and regulations require a driver log to be authorized and contain all required data items.
This can include:
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- Driver name
- Date
- Vehicle number
- Name of carrier
- Start time
- Odometer reading
- Total distance driven
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2. Outdated driver log book
Your log must be current, up to and including the last change in duty status. Electronic logging devices (ELDs) can help, automatically recording duty status so drivers can complete their logs quickly and properly.
3. False driver log
Knowingly falsifying a log could result in a penalty of up to $20,000 and an out-of-service order. Ensuring you are actively recording your hours while on duty can avoid a situation of having a log book with incorrect or falsified hours.
4. No existing driver log
A log is required of anyone operating a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) unless otherwise exempt by regulation.
5. No record of driver logs
After completing a log, you must keep it (or a copy) with you for the next 14 consecutive days.
6. Violating the 13-hour rule
You must stop driving a CMV after accumulating 13 hours of driving time from the end of the most recent period of 8 consecutive hours of off-duty time.
7. Violating the 14-hour rule
You must stop driving a CMV after accumulating 14 hours of on-duty time from the end of the most recent 8 consecutive hours of off-duty time.
8. Violating the 70/120 hour rule
You must stop driving a CMV after accumulating 70 hours over 7 consecutive days, or 120 hours over 14 consecutive days.
9. Using an on-board recorder without handwritten logs
If using an On-Board recorder, you must be able to complete a handwritten daily log for the last 14 consecutive days.
10. Ignoring an out of service order
If you are placed out of service (OOS), you must not drive again until you’ve finished the required time off.
Learn more about Canada’s trucking regulations
View our infographic to learn more about Canada’s trucking regulations and penalties.
You can also visit http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2005-313/ for a complete list of Canadian Commercial Vehicle Drivers Hours-of-Service regulations.
Canada Cartage is proud to have safety standards that consistently rank among the highest in the industry. We take a proactive approach by establishing safety programs that prepare our drivers. For more information, contact us at www.canadacartage.com/contact.