8/2 Split Break Calculator
FMCSA Sleeper Berth Provision Compliance Tool
How the 8/2 Split Break Works
The 8/2 split is a specific provision under the FMCSA Hours of Service (HOS) regulations that allows commercial truck drivers to split their required 10-hour off-duty period into two separate segments. To qualify for this provision, one segment must be at least 8 consecutive hours in the sleeper berth, while the other segment must be at least 2 hours (either off-duty, in the sleeper berth, or a combination of both).
One of the most significant advantages of using an 8/2 split is that neither period counts against your 14-hour on-duty window. This allows drivers to "pause" their clock to avoid traffic, wait for shippers, or rest when tired without losing their precious daily window.
Calculating Your Available Hours
Calculating the 8/2 split is different from a standard reset. After completing the second part of the split, your available time is calculated by looking at the time remaining from your 11-hour and 14-hour limits at the end of the first break segment.
For example, if you drove 5 hours before taking an 8-hour sleeper berth break, and then drove 3 hours before taking your 2-hour break, you calculate your remaining time by subtracting the 3 hours of driving from your 11-hour limit, leaving you with 8 hours of driving time available after your 2-hour break.
Important Rules to Remember
- The Order: You can take the breaks in any order (2/8 or 8/2).
- The 10-Hour Total: The two segments must total at least 10 hours.
- The 14-Hour Clock: Both segments (the 8-hour and the 2-hour) are excluded from the 14-hour driving window calculation.
- The Restart: Using a split break does not "reset" your 70-hour/8-day clock; it only manages your daily 11/14 hour limits.
Real-World Example
Imagine a driver starts their day at 8:00 AM. They work (on-duty and driving) for 6 hours. At 2:00 PM, they enter the sleeper berth for 8 hours. At 10:00 PM, they come out of the sleeper. They now have their remaining hours available. If they then work for another 4 hours and take a 2-hour off-duty break, at the end of that 2-hour break, they calculate their hours by looking back to the end of the 8-hour sleeper period. Since they only used 4 hours since that break, they would have 7 hours of driving time remaining (11 – 4 = 7).