When you’re behind the wheel of a truck in Canada, not only are you responsible for the safe transport of goods, but you must also ensure that you are operating within legal limits to maintain your safety and the safety of others on the road. The rules regulating how many hours you can drive are specifically designed to prevent fatigue and keep the roads safe. How many hours can a truck driver drive in Canada? In this article, we’ll look closer at the legal driving hours for truck drivers in Canada.
What Are the Legal Driving Hours?
The regulations governing how many hours a truck driver can drive in Canada are set by the National Safety Code (NSC) Standard 9 and are designed to promote safer roads for everyone.
- Daily Driving Limit: Truck drivers are allowed to drive up to 13 hours within a 24-hour day. Once this limit is reached, the driver must take a break of at least 8 consecutive hours.
- On-Duty Limit: The total on-duty time, which includes both driving and other work-related tasks like loading or unloading, is capped at 14 hours per day.
- Daily Off-Duty Time: Drivers are required to take at least 10 hours off duty each day. This time can be split into no less than two periods, one of which must be at least 8 consecutive hours. A driver can split the required 10 hours of daily off duty time into two sleeper berth periods, with some restrictions such as neither sleeper period can be less than 2 hours.
- Work Cycles and Cycle Resets: Commercial truck drivers with NWTL follow what is known as Cycle 1, which allows 70 hours of on-duty time over 7 days. To reset the hour count for Cycle 1, a driver must take 36 consecutive hours off-duty.
Why Are These Regulations Important?
- Fatigue Prevention: Fatigue is a significant factor in many road accidents. These regulations ensure drivers have adequate rest, reducing the likelihood of fatigue-related incidents.
- Health Benefits: Regular rest periods and limited driving hours help improve overall driver health, reducing the physical and mental stresses associated with long-haul driving.
- Legal Compliance: Non-compliance can result in hefty fines and penalties, not just for drivers but also for employers. All parties must understand and adhere to these regulations to avoid legal issues.
How Can Drivers Comply Effectively?
- Use of ELDs: Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are mandatory for most commercial trucks in Canada. These devices automatically record driving time, making it easier for drivers to track their hours and stay compliant.
- Plan Your Routes and Breaks: Knowing your route and planning for breaks within the stipulated times can help manage your schedule better, ensuring you’re always within the legal limits.
- Stay Updated: Regulations can change, and being up-to-date with any amendments or updates to the driving hours or rest requirements is crucial for compliance.
- Health Management: Managing your health through good nutrition, exercise, and adequate sleep contributes to better performance and adherence to driving limits.
For truck drivers and owner-operators, understanding and adhering to Canada’s driving regulations is essential. Not only does it ensure legal compliance, but it also promotes safer driving habits, protects your health, and enhances the safety of all road users. By utilizing the right tools and staying informed, you can navigate these regulations successfully, leading to a safer and more productive driving career.
Northwest Tank Lines' Commitment to Safety
At Northwest Tank Lines, safety is our top priority. We are committed to ensuring that our drivers are well-rested and alert on the road, and we provide ongoing training and support to help them stay compliant with regulations. We work closely with our drivers to identify areas for improvement and implement best practices for safety.
At Northwest Tank Lines, we are proud to be leaders in safety and compliance in the trucking industry. Choose Northwest today!