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By Molina Law Firm | Houston, Texas
18-Wheeler Driving On A Houston Highway
⚡TL: DR

Federal 18-wheeler drive time limits allow 18-wheeler drivers to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour on-duty window, followed by 10 consecutive hours off, and no more than 60–70 hours per week. Texas intrastate rules allow 12 hours of driving after 8 hours off. When trucking companies pressure drivers to push past these limits, fatigued drivers pose a deadly threat on Houston’s highways — especially on I-10, I-45, and Beltway 8. If you were hurt by an exhausted truck driver, Molina Law Firm fights to hold carriers accountable. Call (713) JUSTICE/ (713) 587-8423. 

📌 Key Takeaways
 
  • Federal FMCSA rules cap property-carrying truck drivers at 11 hours of driving per day inside a 14-hour window.
  • Texas intrastate rules allow up to 12 continuous driving hours — but only after a full 8-hour rest period.
  • Drivers must take a 30-minute break before reaching 8 consecutive hours of driving under federal rules.
  • Weekly limits cap drivers at 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days; a 34-hour reset restarts the clock.
  • ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data is critical evidence in fatigued-driving cases — it must be preserved immediately after a crash.
  • Harris County leads Texas in commercial vehicle crashes, with roughly 16% of all statewide CMV accidents occurring here.
  • Hours-of-service violations can expose trucking companies to serious legal liability — and higher damages for victims.

Hurt by a Fatigued Truck Driver in Houston?

Molina Law Firm fights for injured Houstonians — from the Ship Channel to Katy, Pasadena to The Woodlands. No fee unless we win your case.

CALL:  (713) Justice/ (713) 587-8423  •  Free Case Review  •  24/7 Availability

Frequently Asked Questions: 18-Wheeler Drive Time Limits & Texas Truck Accident Law

 How many hours can an 18-wheeler driver drive per day in Texas?
Under federal FMCSA rules — which apply when a truck operates in interstate commerce — a driver may drive up to 11 hours within a 14-hour on-duty window, after taking at least 10 consecutive hours off. Under Texas intrastate rules (for drivers whose routes stay entirely within Texas), the limit is 12 continuous driving hours after a minimum 8-hour rest period.
 
 What is the 14-hour rule for truck drivers?
The FMCSA’s 14-hour rule means that once a truck driver comes on duty — starting any work, including pre-trip inspection or paperwork — they have a 14-hour window to complete all driving. They cannot drive beyond that 14th hour, even if they haven’t reached the 11-hour driving cap. Breaks and non-driving work do not pause the 14-hour clock (unless using a sleeper-berth split).
 
 How many hours per week can a truck driver drive in Texas?
Federal rules cap truck drivers at 60 hours in a 7-day period or 70 hours in an 8-day period. Texas intrastate rules also cap drivers at 70 hours per week. In either case, a driver must take a 34-hour consecutive off-duty period before starting a new weekly cycle — known as the “34-hour restart.”
 
 What is an ELD and how does it help my truck accident case?
An Electronic Logging Device (ELD) is a federally mandated device in most commercial trucks that automatically records driving hours, duty status, engine data, and location. In a truck accident case, ELD data can prove that a driver violated hours-of-service limits before your crash — establishing fatigue as a contributing cause of the wreck. This data must be preserved quickly, as it can be overwritten. Our attorneys send legal preservation demands to trucking companies immediately after being retained.
 
 Can a trucking company be held liable if their driver was fatigued and caused a crash in Houston?
Yes. Under Texas law, trucking companies can be held liable for their drivers’ actions under respondeat superior (employer liability). Additionally, if the company created conditions that led to fatigue — such as unrealistic delivery schedules, pressure to falsify logs, or negligent hiring practices — the company itself may face direct liability, and potentially exemplary (punitive) damages in cases of gross negligence.
 
 Are there any exceptions to the federal hours-of-service rules?
Yes, the FMCSA provides limited exceptions. Drivers operating within a 150 air-mile radius who return to their home location within 14 hours may be exempt from ELD use and the 30-minute break requirement (but must still comply with the 11-hour driving limit). In cases of adverse driving conditions — such as extreme weather or unexpected road closures — drivers may extend their driving limit by up to 2 hours. These exceptions are narrow, and trucking companies frequently abuse them. Our attorneys examine whether any claimed exception was legitimately applied.
 
 What should I do immediately after being hit by an 18-wheeler in Houston?
First, call 911 and get medical attention even if you feel okay. Document the scene (truck’s DOT number, company name, license plate, and photos). Do not speak to the trucking company’s insurance adjusters without an attorney. Then call Molina Law Firm at (713) JUSTICE — (713) 587-8423 as quickly as possible. Speed matters: ELD records, black box data, and other critical evidence must be preserved before the trucking company’s legal team destroys or overwrites it.
 
 How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Texas?
In Texas, the general statute of limitations for a personal injury claim — including truck accident cases — is two years from the date of the accident. Wrongful death claims also carry a two-year deadline. However, waiting risks the loss of critical evidence. Contact Molina Law Firm as soon as possible to protect your rights and preserve your case.
 

You Don’t Pay Unless We Win

Houston 18-wheeler accident victims deserve a fighter in their corner. Molina Law Firm works on contingency — zero upfront fees, ever.

Call (713) JUSTICE — (713) 587-8423

Free Consultation  •  Hablamos Español  •  Serving All of Houston & Harris County

Legal Disclaimer: The information contained in this blog post is provided for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Reading this article does not create an attorney-client relationship between you and Molina Law Firm. Every truck accident case is different, and the laws and regulations discussed here may change. If you have been injured in a truck accident, please contact a qualified Houston personal injury attorney to discuss the specific facts of your case. Molina Law Firm is licensed to practice law in the State of Texas.
 
Picture Of Rick Molina

Rick Molina

Rick is a personal injury lawyer based in Houston, Texas who represents accident victims throughout Harris County and the Greater Houston area. Attorney Rick Molina began his legal career as an Assistant District Attorney (ADA) for Harris County, where he fought for victims' rights and prosecuted those responsible for serious crimes.

After leaving the District Attorney's office, Rick Molina worked at some of the largest law firms and insurance companies in Texas. Rick Molina earned his Bachelor of Arts from Rice University and his law degree from the University of Houston Law Center.

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