⏱️ Hours-of-Service (HOS) Compliance: Why It Matters for Your CSA Score

Hours-of-Service (HOS) Compliance is one of the most closely monitored categories in the FMCSA’s CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scoring system. This BASIC doesn’t just affect your CSA score — it can also impact driver fatigue, safety, and your company's bottom line.

In this article, we’ll explore what HOS compliance means, common violations, how they affect your CSA score, and tips to avoid costly penalties.

🕒 What Is the Hours-of-Service BASIC?

The HOS Compliance BASIC is all about making sure commercial drivers follow federal time limits for driving and on-duty hours. These rules are designed to prevent fatigue-related crashes — a leading cause of accidents in the trucking industry.

This BASIC includes violations related to:

  • Driving beyond the 11-hour limit

  • Operating past the 14-hour on-duty window

  • Missed rest breaks

  • Logbook falsification

  • ELD (Electronic Logging Device) violations

Each of these infractions can trigger CSA points, affecting your safety score and inviting unwanted FMCSA scrutiny.

⚖️ HOS Rules at a Glance

Understanding the basic HOS rules is key:

  • 11-Hour Driving Rule: A driver may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.

  • 14-Hour Rule: Drivers can’t drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.

  • 30-Minute Break Rule: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.

  • 60/70-Hour Limit: No driving after 60 hours in 7 days (or 70 hours in 8 days) unless a 34-hour reset is taken.

📊 How HOS Compliance Impacts Your CSA Score

Violations in this category are assigned severity weights and can significantly increase your CSA HOS Compliance percentile score. A higher score means a higher risk in FMCSA’s eyes.

Carriers are grouped with similar-sized fleets and compared to determine percentile rankings. If your company’s HOS score exceeds these intervention thresholds, you may face:

  • DOT audits

  • Safety reviews

  • Increased inspection frequency

Here are the thresholds:

  • General freight: 65%

  • Hazmat carriers: 60%

  • Passenger carriers: 50%

🔍 Common HOS Violations to Watch For

HOS violations are easy to rack up if you’re not careful. The most common include:

  • Driving past the 11-hour limit

  • Failing to take required breaks

  • Missing or incomplete ELD logs

  • Operating without a functioning ELD

  • Falsifying logs (a serious violation)

Even small infractions — like failing to certify logs — can add up and push your CSA score above intervention levels.

🛠️ Tips to Improve Your HOS Compliance BASIC

1. Use Reliable ELD Technology

Choose an FMCSA-compliant ELD with built-in alerts and simple interfaces to reduce entry errors and missed breaks.

2. Train Drivers Thoroughly

Make sure drivers fully understand HOS rules and how to operate the ELD. Frequent refresher training is key.

3. Monitor Logs Regularly

Have safety managers review logs weekly to spot violations early and coach drivers when needed.

4. Establish a Culture of Honesty

Falsifying logs may seem like a quick fix, but it can devastate your CSA score and lead to hefty fines. Encourage honesty and report pressure to run illegal hours.

5. Plan Routes with Time in Mind

Smart dispatching that accounts for traffic, rest stops, and legal drive time can make a huge difference in staying compliant.

💡 The Bottom Line on HOS and CSA Scores

HOS compliance is about more than ticking boxes — it’s about protecting your drivers, your freight, and your business reputation. With tighter regulations and advanced roadside checks, staying on top of hours-of-service rules is non-negotiable.

If your CSA score is creeping up, start with your HOS records. Fixing compliance here is one of the fastest ways to improve your standing with the FMCSA and reduce your risk of audit or penalty.