What is the maximum number of hours a driver can be on duty before needing to stop driving?

The correct answer is that a driver can be on duty for a maximum of 80 hours in any 8 consecutive days. This regulation is part of the Hours of Service rules established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to ensure the safety and well-being of both drivers and the public on the roadways. The goal of these regulations is to prevent fatigue-related accidents by limiting the total number of hours a driver can work within a specified period.

Under this regulation, drivers are allowed to accumulate a maximum of 80 hours of on-duty time over eight consecutive days, which translates to an average of 10 hours per day. It is important to note that this includes all time spent working, whether it be actively driving or performing other duties related to their job.

This regulation is structured to provide flexibility while ensuring drivers are not overworked, which can lead to fatigue and impaired reaction times. The other options provided do not align with established federal guidelines, making them inaccurate representations of duty time limits for drivers.