Cross-border quick reference
Canada vs. United States
Key commercial-driver requirements side by side, with official sources for confirmation.
Important: This is a planning reference, not legal advice. Operations, exemptions, provinces, territories, states and carrier policies can change what applies. Confirm the current rule before every trip.
| Topic | Canada — federal, south of 60°N | United States — federal property-carrying |
|---|---|---|
| Daily driving | Generally up to 13 hours of driving in a day, subject to work-shift and off-duty requirements. | Generally up to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. |
| On-duty / window | Generally no driving after 14 hours on duty in a day or after 16 elapsed hours in a work shift. | Driving is generally limited to a 14-consecutive-hour window after coming on duty. |
| Off-duty time | Generally at least 10 hours off duty in a day, with at least 8 consecutive hours before a work shift. | Generally 10 consecutive hours off duty before the driving period. |
| Break requirement | Daily off-duty time and work-shift rules apply; verify the schedule and any deferral or sleeper-berth provision used. | A 30-minute interruption is generally required after 8 cumulative hours of driving without a qualifying interruption. |
| Cycle limits | Common federal cycles include 70 hours in 7 days or 120 hours in 14 days, with additional Cycle 2 conditions. | Generally 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days, depending on the carrier’s operation. |
| ELD | Federally regulated carriers generally use a certified ELD unless an exemption applies. | Covered drivers generally use a registered, compliant ELD unless an exception applies. |
| Inspections | Daily inspection schedules and defect reporting apply under the relevant Canadian jurisdiction. | Pre-trip condition, roadside inspection and post-trip defect-reporting requirements may apply. |
| Driver documents | Licence, medical status, log/ELD records, permits and shipment documents as applicable. | CDL, medical qualification, log/ELD records, permits and shipment documents as applicable. |
Crossing the border? Confirm with dispatch exactly when the destination country’s hours-of-service rules apply and how the ELD will display the change.
Official Canadian federal hours-of-service regulations →