For commercial drivers, keeping an accurate logbook and adhering to Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations is essential to staying compliant and avoiding serious penalties. However, logbook violations and duty hour infractions remain some of the most common offenses for CDL holders and trucking companies.
Failing to comply with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, maintaining an incomplete logbook, or falsifying records can lead to hefty fines, CDL suspensions, and even criminal charges in severe cases. If you’re a commercial driver in Michigan facing logbook-related violations, understanding the consequences and potential legal defenses is crucial.
Common Logbook and Duty Hours Violations
Incomplete or Falsified Logbooks
A logbook is a legal document, and failure to properly maintain one can have severe consequences. Common violations include:
- Missing entries or incomplete logs
- Falsified records to hide excessive driving hours
- Failure to certify daily logs
- Logs that do not match GPS, toll, or fuel records
- Using multiple logbooks to misrepresent driving hours
The FMCSA mandates electronic logging devices (ELDs) for most commercial drivers to eliminate errors and reduce logbook violations. However, some drivers and companies still attempt to bypass these rules, risking serious penalties.
Exceeding Hours of Service Limits
FMCSA regulations set strict limits on how long truck drivers can operate a commercial motor vehicle (CMV) without rest. The most critical HOS rules include:
11-Hour Driving Limit – A driver may only drive up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
14-Hour On-Duty Limit – Drivers cannot exceed 14 hours of total work time in a shift (this includes driving and non-driving work tasks).
30-Minute Break Rule – After driving for 8 cumulative hours, a driver must take a 30-minute off-duty or sleeper berth break before continuing.
60/70-Hour Weekly Limit – A driver cannot exceed 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days unless they take a 34-hour reset period.
If a driver exceeds these limits and fails to log them properly, they may face serious penalties.
Penalties for Logbook and HOS Violations
Violations related to logbooks and driving hours come with steep penalties, which can impact both drivers and trucking companies.
CDL Suspension or Disqualification:
- Repeat offenders risk temporary or permanent CDL suspensions.
- A pattern of violations can lead to DOT intervention and company shutdown orders.
DOT Compliance and CSA Score Damage:
- Logbook and duty hour violations increase CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores.
- A poor CSA score means more frequent inspections, increased scrutiny, and potential loss of business contracts.
- Companies may face FMCSA audits, leading to additional penalties and compliance reviews.
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Compliance Requirements Under FMCSA Regulations
To avoid these penalties, Michigan truck drivers and fleet operators must follow strict FMCSA compliance guidelines.
Use an Approved Electronic Logging Device (ELD)
Most commercial drivers are required to use an ELD to track driving hours. This helps ensure accuracy and reduces the risk of falsified logbooks.
Maintain Accurate and Up-to-Date Logs
Drivers must record all on-duty, off-duty, and sleeper berth hours properly. Logs should be consistent with:
- Fuel receipts
- GPS data
- Toll booth records
- Weigh station reports
Take Required Breaks and Rest Periods
Ignoring mandatory breaks and rest periods is not worth the risk. Employers should encourage drivers to adhere to all HOS limits to avoid fines and license suspensions.
Understand Exemptions
Some drivers may qualify for short-haul or agricultural exemptions, allowing them to bypass certain logbook rules. Understanding these exemptions can help avoid unnecessary violations.
How a Michigan Traffic Lawyer Can Help with Logbook Violations
If you’ve been cited for logbook errors, falsified records, or exceeding HOS limits, don’t assume you have to pay the fine and accept the penalties. An experienced traffic and CDL ticket lawyer in Michigan can help you:
- Challenge inaccurate or unfair citations
- Fight to reduce or dismiss fines and penalties
- Protect your CDL and prevent license suspension
- Ensure FMCSA compliance without unnecessary penalties
Many truckers and companies receive HOS citations due to misunderstandings, technical errors, or minor mistakes. With the right legal defense, you may be able to avoid fines and keep your record clean.
Don’t Risk Your CDL – Fight Your Logbook Violation Today!
Logbook and HOS violations can cost you thousands of dollars, damage your career, and even put your business at risk. If you’ve been cited, act fast to protect your CDL and fight the penalties. Call us today at 844 842 7758 for a FREE consultation with a trusted traffic and CDL lawyer in Michigan. Let’s fight your case and keep you on the road!