Under The 8/2 Split Rule:
- 8-hour Segment: Drivers must spend at least 8 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth. This time does not count toward the driver’s 14-hour on-duty window.
- 2-hour Segment: Drivers must take an additional 2 consecutive hours off-duty or in the sleeper berth. This time may count toward the 14-hour duty clock.
The key benefit of the 8/2 split rule is that it pauses the driver’s 14-hour duty clock during the 8-hour sleeper berth period. This flexibility allows drivers to adjust their schedules for unexpected delays or optimize driving times during low-traffic periods.
For example, a driver may drive for 6 hours, take an 8-hour sleeper berth break, drive for another 4 hours, and then take a 2-hour off-duty break. These two segments satisfy the 10-hour rest requirement without disrupting compliance.
Manually tracking split breaks can be challenging, but TruckX’s Electronic Logging Device (ELD) simplifies the process. By automatically recording sleeper berth and off-duty periods, TruckX ensures drivers remain FMCSA-compliant, avoid HOS violations, and prioritize safety on the road.
