DOT FMCSA 49 CFR 395 Hours of Service - Motor Carrier Compliance Audit

This HOS compliance audit verifies that all property-carrying CMV drivers comply with the 11-hour driving limit, 14-hour on-duty window, 30-minute rest break after 8 cumulative hours of driving, and 60-hour/7-day or 70-hour/8-day on-duty cycle under 49 CFR 395.3. ELD records must be verified alongside paper logs for drivers with ELD exemptions. HOS violations are among the highest-frequency FMCSA citations and a pattern of violations triggers a critical SMS (Safety Measurement System) score that

  • Industry: Transportation & Logistics
  • Frequency: Annual
  • Estimated Time: 20-30 minutes
  • Role: DOT Compliance Manager
  • Total Items: 20
  • Compliance: 49 CFR 396.11, 49 CFR 393, 49 CFR 390, FMCSA Regulations

11-Hour Driving Limit and 14-Hour Window

Verify drivers did not exceed the 11-hour driving limit or operate beyond the 14-hour on-duty window after coming off rest.

  • No driver exceeded 11 cumulative hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty?
  • All driving occurred within 14 hours of coming on duty after 10 hours off-duty?
  • Drivers recorded required 30-minute rest break before 8 hours of cumulative driving elapsed?
  • Number of drivers reviewed in this audit:

60/70-Hour On-Duty Cycle Compliance

Verify drivers have not exceeded the 60-hour/7-day or 70-hour/8-day on-duty cycle limit.

  • Carrier using 60-hour/7-day rule or 70-hour/8-day rule? (Specify which):
  • No driver exceeded applicable weekly cycle limit (60 or 70 hours)?
  • If restart used, driver had minimum 34 consecutive hours off-duty including two 1-5 AM periods?
  • Carrier has written policy specifying which HOS cycle applies and when restart is used?

ELD Record Accuracy and Completeness

Verify ELD records are accurate, driver annotations are complete, and no manual edits lack required explanations.

  • ELD records show all driving time accurately (no unassigned driving segments)?
  • All manual edits include required annotation explaining the change?
  • Location data recorded at each change of duty status with sufficient precision?
  • Shipping document numbers or load IDs recorded for each RODS entry?

Sleeper Berth Operations (If Applicable)

For team drivers or solo drivers using split sleeper berth, verify the 8/2 or 7/3 split meets 49 CFR 395.1(g)(1) requirements.

  • If sleeper berth splits used, minimum berth period was 7 or 8 consecutive hours?
  • Paired berth periods total at least 10 hours (e.g., 8+2 or 7+3)?
  • Neither berth period was less than 2 consecutive hours?

Audit Findings and Corrective Action

Document violations found, driver follow-up required, and corrective actions per 49 CFR 395.8 recordkeeping standards.

  • Number of HOS violations identified in this audit:
  • Summary of violations found (or 'None'):
  • Corrective actions assigned (driver counseling, retraining, route adjustment):
  • Records period audited (start date to end date):
  • Auditor signature:

Related Transport & Logistics Checklists

Related Fleet Management Checklists

Why Use This DOT FMCSA 49 CFR 395 Hours of Service - Motor Carrier Compliance Audit?

This dot fmcsa 49 cfr 395 hours of service - motor carrier compliance audit helps transportation & logistics teams maintain compliance and operational excellence. Designed for dot compliance manager professionals, this checklist covers 20 critical inspection points across 5 sections. Recommended frequency: annual.

Ensures compliance with 49 CFR 396.11, 49 CFR 393, 49 CFR 390, FMCSA Regulations. Regulatory-aligned for audit readiness and inspection documentation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a DOT FMCSA 49 CFR 395 Hours of Service - Motor Carrier Compliance Audit?

A DOT FMCSA 49 CFR 395 Hours of Service - Motor Carrier Compliance Audit is a standardized inspection form used by dot compliance manager to ensure consistent transportation & logistics operations. It contains 27 inspection points organized into 5 sections. FREE PDF - FMCSA 49 CFR Part 395 Hours of Service (HOS) compliance audit. Covers 11-hour driving limit, 14-hour window, 30-minute rest break, 60/70-hour limits, sleeper berth split, and ELD compliance for property-carrying CDL drivers.

How often should I use this transportation & logistics checklist?

This checklist is designed to be completed annual. Regular use ensures compliance with 49 CFR 396.11 and 49 CFR 393 and helps identify issues before they become problems.

Can I download this DOT FMCSA 49 CFR 395 Hours of Service - Motor Carrier Compliance Audit as a PDF?

Yes, you can download this checklist as a FREE PDF for printing or offline use. The checklist includes 27 fields across 5 sections and typically takes 20-30 minutes to complete.

What compliance standards does this checklist cover?

This checklist helps ensure compliance with 49 CFR 396.11, 49 CFR 393, 49 CFR 390, FMCSA Regulations. Following these standards protects your organization and ensures best practices.

How do I complete this transportation & logistics inspection checklist?

Begin by completing the header fields for Facility / Location, Inspection Date, Inspector Name, and Permit / Reference Number. Work through each of the 5 sections, marking items Yes or No as applicable. Add notes for any issues found. Finally, complete the footer fields and add your signature. The entire process takes approximately 20 to 30 minutes.

What are the key sections in this transportation & logistics checklist?

This transportation & logistics checklist is organized into 5 key sections: 11-Hour Driving Limit and 14-Hour Window, 60/70-Hour On-Duty Cycle Compliance, ELD Record Accuracy and Completeness, Sleeper Berth Operations (If Applicable), Audit Findings and Corrective Action. Each section contains specific inspection points that dot compliance manager must verify. The structured layout ensures nothing is missed during transportation & logistics inspections and makes the process efficient, typically taking 20-30 minutes to complete.

Who should use this DOT FMCSA 49 CFR 395 Hours of Service - Motor Carrier Compliance Audit?

This checklist is primarily designed for dot compliance manager working in transportation & logistics operations. However, it is also valuable for quality assurance teams, safety officers, compliance managers, and supervisors who need to verify that transportation & logistics standards are being met. Organizations of all sizes can benefit from using this DOT FMCSA 49 CFR 395 Hours of Service - Motor Carrier Compliance Audit to maintain consistency and accountability.

Browse More Checklists

POPProbe