For Canadian cross-border drivers, crossing the 49th parallel means more than just showing a passport. It means switching your internal clock – and your ELD settings. The rules for Hours of Service (HOS) differ significantly between Transport Canada and the US FMCSA. Mixing them up is the easiest way to get put “Out of Service” (OOS) at a weigh station. Here is the definitive comparison for 2026.
The “South of 60” Rules (Canada) vs. USA
1. Driving Limit (How long can I drive?)
- 🇨🇦 Canada: You can drive 13 hours within a day (or work shift).
- 🇺🇸 USA: You are limited to 11 hours of driving time.
- The Trap: If you drive 12 hours in Canada and then cross the border, you are already in violation of US rules!
2. The “Window” (How long is my shift?)
- 🇨🇦 Canada: The “16-Hour Rule”. Once 16 hours have elapsed since you started your shift, you must stop driving, regardless of how many breaks you took.
- 🇺🇸 USA: The “14-Hour Window”. It is stricter. The clock keeps ticking even when you stop (unless you use the Split Sleeper provision correctly).
3. Mandatory Rest (Daily Off-Duty)
- 🇨🇦 Canada: You need 10 hours of total off-duty time per day.
- Important: 8 hours must be consecutive (sleep). The other 2 hours can be split into blocks of at least 30 minutes.
- 🇺🇸 USA: You need 10 consecutive hours off-duty before your clock resets (property-carrying).
4. The Cycle Reset (Starting fresh)
- 🇨🇦 Canada: A reset takes 36 consecutive hours off-duty.
- 🇺🇸 USA: A reset takes 34 consecutive hours off-duty.
New in 2026: Enforcement Crackdown
While the basic hours remain stable, enforcement has tightened. Since the full implementation of the ELD mandate, inspectors on both sides of the border can now see “Geofencing” data. If your log says “Off Duty” but the GPS shows the truck moving at highway speeds (even for a short “Yard Move” exceeding limits), the system flags it.
Also, keep an eye on the US: The FMCSA is running pilot programs in 2026 to test more flexibility for the 14-hour window, but these are tests only. The 11/14 rule remains the law for now.
Pro Tip for Cross-Border Drivers
Most modern ELDs switch automatically based on GPS location, but you should always manually check your “Available Hours” when crossing the border. If you are maxed out on Canadian hours (13h), you must take your 10-hour break before entering the US.
Source: Transport Canada / FMCSA / TruckstopCanada Editorial Team
Photo: Pixabay
Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Regulations are subject to change. Always refer to official Transport Canada or FMCSA guidelines.