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HomeVehicle CodeDiv. 11Ch. 3Art. 2§ 21702 Commercial Driver Hour Limits

§ 21702 Commercial Driver Hour Limits

Vehicle Code·California
AI Summary·Official Text·Key Terms·Related Statutes·References
AI SummaryVerified

§ 21702 Commercial Driver Hour Limits

This law says how long truck and bus drivers can drive without taking a break. It sets different rules for drivers carrying people versus those carrying stuff.

Key Takeaways

  • •Drivers carrying people can drive up to 10 hours in a day, then must rest for 8 hours.
  • •Drivers carrying stuff can drive up to 12 hours in a day, then must rest for 8 hours.
  • •Driving time includes any time spent driving outside the state once the vehicle enters the state.
  • •Breaking these rules can result in a fine between $100 and $1,000.
  • •These rules don't apply in emergencies like accidents or natural disasters.

Example

A truck driver is delivering furniture across the state.

The driver can only drive for up to 12 hours in a day. After that, they must take an 8-hour break before driving again. If they drive for 12 hours straight, they can't drive again until they've rested for 8 hours.

How to Calculate

Maximum driving time = 10 hours (for people) or 12 hours (for stuff) in a 24-hour period, followed by 8 hours of rest.

  1. Check if the driver is carrying people or stuff. If carrying people, max driving time is 10 hours. If carrying stuff, max driving time is 12 hours.
  2. Track the total driving time within any 24-hour period. It cannot exceed the max allowed (10 or 12 hours).
  3. After reaching the max driving time, the driver must rest for 8 consecutive hours before driving again.
  4. Include any driving time outside the state when calculating total hours once the vehicle enters the state.

A bus driver starts driving at 6:00 AM.

Result: The driver must stop driving by 4:00 PM (10 hours later). They can start driving again at 12:00 AM (after 8 hours of rest).

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source
View on CA.gov

§ 21702 Commercial Driver Hour Limits

(a) No person shall drive upon any highway any vehicle designed or used for transporting persons for compensation for more than 10 consecutive hours nor for more than 10 hours spread over a total of 15 consecutive hours. Thereafter, such person shall not drive any such vehicle until eight consecutive hours have elapsed. Regardless of aggregate driving time, no driver shall drive for more than 10 hours in any 24-hour period unless eight consecutive hours off duty have elapsed. (b) No person shall drive upon any highway any vehicle designed or used for transporting merchandise, freight, materials or other property for more than 12 consecutive hours nor for more than 12 hours spread over a total of 15 consecutive hours. Thereafter, such person shall not drive any such vehicle until eight consecutive hours have elapsed. Regardless of aggregate driving time, no driver shall drive for more than 12 hours in any 24-hour period unless eight consecutive hours off duty have elapsed. (c) This section does not apply in any case of casualty or unavoidable accident or an act of God. (d) In computing the number of hours under this section, any time spent by a person in driving such a vehicle outside this state shall, upon the vehicle entering this state, be included. (e) Any person who violates any provision of this section is guilty of a misdemeanor and is punishable by a fine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000) for each offense. (f) This section shall not apply to the driver of a vehicle which is subject to the provisions of Section 34500. (Amended by Stats. 1983, Ch. 1092, Sec. 391. Effective September 27, 1983. Operative January 1, 1984, by Sec. 427 of Ch. 1092.)

Last verified: January 9, 2026

Key Terms

transporting persons for compensationtransporting merchandise, freight, materials or other property10 consecutive hours12 consecutive hourseight consecutive hoursmisdemeanorfine of not less than one hundred dollars ($100) nor more than one thousand dollars ($1,000)

Related Statutes

  • § 21713 Armored Car Licensing Requirements
  • § 10753 Catalytic Converter Marking Tampering
  • § 11500 Automobile Dismantler Licensing Requirements
  • § 13950 Driver License Revocation Notice
  • § 13951 Driver License Denial Notice

References

  • Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
  • California Legislature. Vehicle Code. Section 21702.
View Official Source