Compare when the cycle balance changes
“Recap” commonly describes duty hours leaving a rolling cycle window as a new carrier-defined day begins. A qualifying restart ends the applicable cycle period under the federal property-carrier framework. Both concepts belong in a review of 49 CFR 395.3, alongside the separate driving and duty-window limits.
Do not choose between them only by asking which produces the largest displayed balance. Determine when that balance would be available, what record supports it and whether the proposed assignment satisfies every other applicable condition.
Use this planning comparison
| Question | Rolling-window approach | Qualifying restart approach |
|---|---|---|
| What changes the cycle calculation? | The oldest day leaves the window at the next reporting-day boundary | A qualifying continuous off-duty period ends the cycle period |
| What evidence is needed? | Complete prior-day duty totals and the correct day boundary | The actual beginning, duration and qualifying nature of the interval |
| What can invalidate the assumption? | Missing work or a misunderstood time boundary | Work or another disqualifying interruption within the interval |
| What still needs a separate check? | Driving limit, duty window, rest, break and fitness for the assignment | The same other applicable requirements |
Keep a small numerical example in context
Assume a complete federal 70-hour/8-day record shows 68 on-duty hours in the current window. Its cycle balance is 2 hours. If the oldest day contains 8 hours, those 8 hours leave the calculation when the next reporting day begins. With no other changes, the carried total becomes 60 and the cycle balance becomes 10.
That example establishes cycle arithmetic only. It does not show that the driver can leave now or drive for 10 hours. A qualifying restart would be a different timeline with its own uninterrupted interval; do not treat an intention to restart as a completed restart.
Record the decision and the assumptions
Write the planned departure, carrier day boundary, cycle totals, applicable ruleset and unresolved record issues on the dispatch plan. If work or timing changes, recalculate and reassess the assignment. This guide offers no universal optimal schedule and does not promise automatic Factor ELD route optimization. HOS with ELD: A Daily Planning Guide. A Driver's Daily ELD Workflow.
Recap and restart questions
Does recap return a full cycle allowance every midnight?
No. The result depends on the duty hours leaving the applicable rolling window and the carrier’s reporting-day boundary.
Is a restart mandatory whenever a driver has a low cycle balance?
Not automatically under this provision. The carrier must plan within the applicable limits and assess the actual record and assignment.