Free DOT hours of service compliance checklist

• The MapTrack DOT hours of service compliance checklist contains 15 checks across 4 sections. Sections covered: Daily Driving Limits, Weekly / Cycle Limits, ELD Compliance, Record Keeping.
• Driver and carrier details: driver name, CDL number, home terminal, carrier name, USDOT number, audit date and auditor name.
• Driving time limits: verification that the driver did not exceed 11 hours of driving (property) or 10 hours (passenger) following 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• On-duty window: verification that all driving occurred within the 14-hour window (property) or 15-hour window (passenger) from the start of on-duty time.

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• FMCSA compliance: systematic HOS audits demonstrate compliance with 49 CFR 395 and reduce the risk of violations during compliance reviews and roadside inspections.
• Fatigue prevention: monitoring driving hours and mandatory rest periods helps prevent fatigue-related crashes caused by drivers exceeding safe operating limits.
• CSA score protection: HOS violations are a leading contributor to adverse CSA safety scores, and proactive auditing reduces violation rates.
• ELD mandate verification: the form includes checks for ELD data integrity, unassigned driving time and data transfer functionality required under the ELD mandate.
• Audit readiness: a documented HOS compliance program with completed audit forms provides the evidence FMCSA auditors look for during compliance reviews.
• Driver coaching: identifying patterns of borderline compliance or recurring violations allows targeted driver coaching before violations escalate to enforcement actions.

• Driver and carrier details: driver name, CDL number, home terminal, carrier name, USDOT number, audit date and auditor name.
• Driving time limits: verification that the driver did not exceed 11 hours of driving (property) or 10 hours (passenger) following 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• On-duty window: verification that all driving occurred within the 14-hour window (property) or 15-hour window (passenger) from the start of on-duty time.
• Mandatory break: verification that the driver took a 30-minute break before the eighth consecutive hour of driving for property-carrying vehicles.
• 60/70-hour rule: verification that cumulative on-duty time did not exceed 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days, with 34-hour restart usage documented.
• Sleeper berth: if applicable, verification that split sleeper berth provisions were used correctly under 49 CFR 395.1(g).
• ELD compliance: ELD registration, data accuracy, unassigned driving time reviewed and resolved, malfunction reporting and data transfer test.
• Supporting documents: reconciliation of fuel receipts, toll records, dispatch records and Bills of Lading with ELD or RODS data.
• Violation register: any violations identified during the audit, including severity, corrective action, driver acknowledgment and follow-up date.
• Audit result and signatures: overall pass or fail, auditor signature, driver signature if present and management review signature.

1. Select the driver and audit period, then gather ELD records, supporting documents and any previous audit findings.

   Choose the driver to audit and define the review period (typically 7 or 14 days). Pull the ELD records of duty status for the period. Collect supporting documents including fuel receipts, toll records, dispatch records and Bills of Lading. Review any previous audit findings for this driver to check for recurring issues.

2. Review each day of the audit period for compliance with driving time limits, on-duty window limits and mandatory break requirements.

   For each day, verify that total driving time did not exceed 11 hours (property carriers) or 10 hours (passenger carriers). Confirm that all driving occurred within the 14-hour or 15-hour on-duty window. Check that a 30-minute break was taken before the eighth consecutive hour of driving where required. Flag any day where limits were approached within 30 minutes as a coaching opportunity.

3. Calculate cumulative on-duty hours for the 7-day or 8-day period and verify the 60/70-hour rule and any 34-hour restart claims.

   Total all on-duty hours across the review period and compare against the applicable 60-hour/7-day or 70-hour/8-day limit. If the driver used a 34-hour restart, verify that the restart period included two consecutive periods between 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. and that the on-duty clock was properly reset after the restart.

4. Audit ELD compliance: check device registration, review unassigned driving time, test data transfer and verify malfunction reporting.

   Confirm the ELD is registered and listed on the FMCSA approved ELD list. Review any unassigned driving time and verify the driver or carrier has accounted for it. Test the ELD data transfer function (wireless and USB). Check that any ELD malfunctions were reported to the carrier within 24 hours and that the driver reconstructed records of duty status on graph paper during the malfunction period.

5. Reconcile supporting documents with ELD records to identify discrepancies in location, timing or duty status.

   Compare fuel receipt timestamps and locations with ELD records. Cross-reference toll records, dispatch logs and delivery receipts with recorded driving segments. Any discrepancy between supporting documents and ELD data may indicate falsification of records, which is a serious FMCSA violation. Document all discrepancies for investigation.

6. Record all findings, assign corrective actions, obtain signatures and file the completed audit form.

   Document every violation and coaching opportunity identified during the audit. Assign corrective actions with specific due dates. Have the driver acknowledge the findings if present. Obtain the auditor signature and submit the completed form to fleet management for review. Retain the audit form and supporting records for at least six months as part of the carrier compliance file.

Practical answers about the form, record keeping and using MapTrack.

This form is a starting point. Check the current requirements that apply to your equipment, work and location. The form alone does not establish compliance.

• FMCSA 49 CFR 395.3 (Maximum driving time for property-carrying vehicles)
• FMCSA 49 CFR 395.5 (Maximum driving time for passenger-carrying vehicles)
• FMCSA 49 CFR 395.8 (Driver record of duty status)
• FMCSA 49 CFR 395.1(g) (Sleeper berth provisions)
• FMCSA 49 CFR Part 395 Subpart B (Electronic Logging Devices)

• 49 CFR Part 396, Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance (FMCSA, eCFR)

MapTrack publishes this template. The linked authorities publish their own guidance; they haven't endorsed this form.

• Driver daily log sheet
• FMCSA commercial vehicle inspection report
• DOT pre-trip inspection checklist
• Driver safety checklist
• Driver licence verification form
• Inspections and checklists
• GPS and fleet tracking
• Fleet pre-start inspections
• Pricing