Commercial vehicle enforcement and driver records
Commercial motor vehicle operators should use current agency guidance for inspections, operating rules, and driver records. This page replaces older broken logbook examples with links to the agencies that maintain the rules. Texas DPS Commercial Vehicle Enforcement provides information about commercial vehicle safety and enforcement in Texas.
Hours-of-service requirements depend on the operation, vehicle use, and applicable exceptions. Property-carrying and passenger-carrying operations have different rules. A short-haul exception, sleeper-berth provision, or adverse-conditions provision should not be assumed to apply without checking its requirements.
Plan before a trip
Identify the rules applicable to the trip with your carrier or safety manager. Review your duty history, available time, dispatch plan, and the method used to maintain records. Resolve questions before driving rather than attempting to reconstruct missing information later.
Keep required records accurate and accessible. An example found on an old webpage is not a substitute for the current rule or an approved logging process. If your operation uses an electronic logging device, understand the provider’s instructions for reviewing records and responding to an inspection.
Separate CDL study from carrier compliance
Studying for a CDL prepares you for licensing examinations. Operating a truck or bus also involves responsibilities after licensing. Continue reviewing safety guidance with your employer or carrier, and use current official sources when a rule or equipment requirement changes.
For a Texas DPS skills appointment, concentrate on the inspection, control, and road-test requirements for your selected vehicle. For business operations, review carrier authority, insurance, vehicle credentials, and safety obligations separately. Contact the responsible agency for a decision about a particular operating situation.