What is the maximum driving time allowed within 24 hours?
3 Answers
Generally, driving time should not exceed 8 hours within 24 hours, and nighttime driving should not exceed 6 hours. Continuous driving for more than 4 hours without stopping to rest or taking a rest break of less than 20 minutes is prohibited. Fatigue driving is a serious traffic violation. When a driver is fatigued, it can lead to slow reactions, drowsiness, and physical weakness, making it difficult to promptly detect road traffic conditions and take accurate driving control measures, which greatly increases the risk of traffic accidents. Driving time regulations: Road passenger transport enterprises must strictly require that passenger vehicle drivers do not exceed 8 hours of cumulative driving time within 24 hours (which can be extended by 2 hours under special circumstances, but the total extended time per month should not exceed 36 hours). Continuous driving time must not exceed 4 hours, and each rest break should last no less than 20 minutes. Tips to prevent fatigue driving: Ensure adequate sleep before traveling; Avoid taking any medications that cause drowsiness; Take at least a 20-minute rest break every 3–4 hours of driving; Maintain good air circulation, suitable temperature and humidity in the cabin, and reduce noise interference while driving. If feeling fatigued, promptly exit the road and stop in a safe area to rest. Resume driving only after reducing fatigue, and try to avoid late-night driving.
I've been driving for most of my life, so I'm quite qualified to speak on this topic. The cumulative driving time within 24 hours must never exceed 11 hours—that's a hard rule. The reason is simple: fatigued driving increases the risk of accidents. When you're tired, your reaction time slows, braking distances lengthen, and the chances of a major incident rise. On one of my long-haul trips, I once drove for 10 hours straight to deliver goods and nearly hit a guardrail. Since then, I've made it a habit to take a 15-minute break every two hours, whether to eat something or take a short walk. My vehicle is equipped with a GPS monitoring device that automatically alerts me about time limits. Checking tires and lights before driving is also essential, but the core issue is managing time. The law requires 11 consecutive hours of rest per day to ensure safety. Remember, don’t sacrifice rest for the sake of making time—statistics show fatigue is one of the leading causes of fatal crashes.
As a new driver who just got my license, I learned this rule in driving school. Within 24 hours, the cumulative driving time should not exceed 11 hours. The instructor repeatedly emphasized this point because beginners are more prone to fatigue, experiencing hand tremors and blurred vision after prolonged driving. During my mock test, I tried continuous driving and ended up with scattered attention. Safety comes first - it's recommended to take a break every three hours, have some snacks or listen to music to refresh yourself. Regulations also require regular vehicle inspections, such as checking brake lights, but these small details can make a big difference. Fatigue driving is no trivial matter; it can lead to rear-end collisions or loss of control, significantly increasing the probability of accidents. I usually use a mobile app to record my driving time to ensure I don't exceed the limit. Developing good habits makes driving more reassuring.
