Hours of Service (HOS) Rules Enforcement in Kentucky

Oct. 9, 2025, 7:29 p.m.
Here’s a detailed overview of Hours of Service (HOS) Rules Enforcement in Kentucky, including how state law adopts federal rules, which agencies enforce them, penalties, and practical tips.
Hours of Service (HOS) Rules Enforcement in Kentucky

1. Federal Rules Adopted by Kentucky

  • Kentucky has adopted the federal HOS regulations (49 CFR Part 395) for both interstate and intrastate operations via its administrative rules. 

  • Under Kentucky administrative regulation 601 KAR 1:005, commercial motor vehicles (whether for-hire or private, interstate or intrastate) must comply with the rules in CFR Parts 390–399, including the HOS rules.  

  • This means that drivers in Kentucky must follow:

    • 11-hour driving limit after 10 hours off-duty

    • A 14-hour window for on-duty (driving + non-driving)

    • 60/70‑hour limits (based on a 7‑ or 8‑day period)

    • Mandatory 30‑minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving

    • Use of logbooks / ELDs to record duty status  

2. Enforcement Agencies in Kentucky

  • The Kentucky State Police (KSP) operates a Division of Commercial Vehicle Enforcement (CVE) (also called Kentucky Vehicle Enforcement, KVE) that enforces safety and size/weight regulations, including HOS compliance. 

  • CVE officers and inspectors conduct roadside inspections, safety compliance checks, audits, and investigations to detect HOS violations, falsified logs, or violations of duty status rules.  

  • Through Kentucky’s Commercial Vehicle Safety Plan (CVSP), the state aligns with FMCSA priorities (inspections, enforcement, compliance reviews, public awareness) to target violations, including HOS infractions 

3. Inspections, Audits & Violation Detection

  • During roadside inspections, CVE officers check driver logs or ELD records, examine duty status (on-duty, driving, off-duty, sleeper berth), and ensure required breaks are taken.

  • Drivers who fail to produce accurate logs or falsify records may be placed out of service (OOS) until they comply.  

  • In crash investigations or compliance audits, transportation authorities often scrutinize HOS records to detect fatigue-related violations or pressure by the carrier. 

4. Penalties & Consequences

  • Violations of HOS (non-recordkeeping), such as exceeding driving hours or failing to take required breaks, carry civil penalties under FMCSA rules. For carriers, fines may reach tens of thousands per violation; for drivers, several thousand.  

  • Falsifying or knowingly submitting false logs is treated more severely (“knowing falsification”) with higher penalties.  

  • Repeated or severe violations can lead the state to revoke or suspend a carrier’s operating authority or certificate. Kentucky law allows revocation or suspension for repeated noncompliance with safety rules. 

  • Drivers found in violation may be placed out-of-service, meaning they must stop driving until they meet off-duty requirements.  

5. Key Practical Considerations for Drivers & Carriers

  • Maintain accurate logs / ELD usage: Since Kentucky enforces federal HOS rules, relying on correct records is crucial.

  • Be ready for inspections without advance notice: CVE officers may inspect at any time, so documents and logs must always be in good order.

  • Respond promptly to violations: If an inspection reveals an issue, taking corrective actions early can mitigate more severe penalties or suspension.

  • Avoid falsification: Submitting misleading or double logs exposes a driver or carrier to severe fines and legal risk.

  • Watch for “egregious” violations: Exceeding limits by 3+ hours is often flagged as severe and punished harshly.