2025 Guide to Canada’s Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations for Fleets and Drivers

Exhausted truck driver falling asleep on steering wheel.

In the world of commercial trucking, safety and compliance are non-negotiable. That’s why Canada’s Hours of Service (HOS) regulations are so critical. These rules are designed to prevent driver fatigue, reduce accidents, and ensure that both drivers and the public stay safe on the road. For fleet managers and owner operators, understanding and adhering to these regulations is essential—not just for legal compliance, but also for operational efficiency and driver well-being.

The Importance of HOS Compliance

Driver fatigue is a leading cause of road accidents involving commercial vehicles. According to Transport Canada, fatigue contributes to approximately 20% of fatal collisions involving heavy trucks. HOS regulations are in place to limit the number of hours a driver can operate a commercial vehicle, ensuring they get adequate rest and remain alert behind the wheel.

Beyond safety, non-compliance can lead to hefty fines, out-of-service orders, and damage to your company’s safety rating. With the 2025 updates and the full enforcement of the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate, staying informed is more important than ever.

HOS Basics: What You Need to Know

Here’s a breakdown of the key HOS rules that apply to most federally regulated commercial drivers driving heavy trucks or trailers in Canada:

Daily Driving Limits

  • Maximum 13 hours of driving in a 24-hour period.
  • No driving after 14 hours of on-duty time in a day.

Mandatory Off-duty Time

  • Drivers must take at least 10 hours off duty every day.
  • Of those 10 hours, at least 8 hours must be consecutive.

Work Shift Limits

  • A driver cannot drive after 16 hours of total elapsed time from the start of the shift, even if they’ve taken breaks.

Cycle Options

Drivers must choose one of two cycles:

  • Cycle 1: Max 70 hours on duty in 7 days.
  • Cycle 2: Max 120 hours on duty in 14 days, with a mandatory 24 hour off-duty break before exceeding 70 hours.

Drivers can reset their cycle by taking:

  • 36 consecutive hours off (Cycle 1)
  • 72 consecutive hours off (Cycle 2).

Special Provisions

Sleeper Berth Rules

Single drivers may split their off-duty time into two periods (at least 2 hours each), as long as the total equals at least 10 hours. Team drivers have slightly different rules, requiring at least 4 hours per period and a total of 10 hours off duty in a day.

Deferral of Off-duty Time

Drivers may defer up to 2 hours of off-duty time to the next day, under strict conditions. This is only allowed if:

  • The deferred time is not part of the 8 consecutive hours.
  • The total driving time over two days does not exceed 26 hours.

Best Practices for Fleet Managers

To ensure compliance and streamline operations, fleet managers should:

  1. Implement certified ELDs
    Since 2023, all federally regulated carriers must use certified ELDs. These devices automate log keeping, reduce errors, and provide real-time visibility into driver status. 
  2. Train drivers regularly
    Ensure drivers understand the rules, including how to manage cycles, use sleeper berths, and handle deferrals.
  3. Monitor compliance proactively
    Use fleet management software to track hours, flag violations, and generate reports for audits.
  4. Plan routes with HOS in mind
    Build schedules that allow for mandatory breaks and rest periods, especially for long-haul routes.
  5. Stay updated on exemptions
    Some industries (e.g., agriculture, emergency services) may qualify for exemptions. Always verify eligibility through Transport Canada or provincial authorities.

Navigating the Road to Compliance

Canada’s HOS regulations are more than just red tape—they’re a framework for safer roads and healthier drivers. For fleet managers and owner operators, compliance isn’t optional, but it doesn’t have to be complicated. With the right tools, training, and planning, you can keep your fleet moving safely and efficiently in 2026 and in the future.

Need help navigating compliance or upgrading your truck fleet? Contact RJames Management Group today—we’re here to support your success on the road.

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