What does on-duty time include?

On-duty time is defined as all the time a driver spends working as part of their duties. This includes all activities related to truck operation. The time spent driving is a primary component of on-duty time because it directly relates to the active operation of the vehicle and contributes to the driver's responsibility for safe transport.

In addition to driving, on-duty time also encompasses other activities involved in the operation of the vehicle, such as preparing the vehicle and loading cargo. While those activities are part of the overall on-duty time, the specific activity of driving is a fundamental aspect of what is considered on-duty because it ties directly to the core responsibilities of a commercial driver.

Understanding on-duty time is crucial for compliance with hours-of-service regulations, which are designed to promote safety by preventing driver fatigue. Hence, while other activities also contribute to on-duty time, the essential nature of being behind the wheel makes driving the most relevant and core component of this definition.