Table of driving and rest times for heavy goods vehicle drivers

Introduction: Understanding European regulations

European social regulations, and more specifically Regulation (EU) No. 561/2006, in force since April 11, 2007, form the basis for managing working hours for heavy goods vehicle drivers. Incorporated into national transport law, this legislation sets out a strict framework for driving times and break and rest periods for truck drivers driving vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tons within the European Union. The challenge is twofold: ensuring road safety and protecting the health of vehicle drivers. For road transport companies and their fleet managers, a thorough understanding of these rules is essential.

Objectives of the regulation

• Ensure road safety by reducing the risk of accidents caused by fatigue.
• Protect the health of vehicle drivers by imposing sufficient rest periods over several days.
• Harmonize rules at the European level to ensure fair competition and facilitate international transport.

Maximum driving times

• Maximum daily driving time: 9 hours per day, which may be extended to 10 hours twice a week at most. This driving time is one of the fundamental rules that must be observed.
• Maximum uninterrupted daily driving time: The driving time between two rest periods must comply with the daily limit, with a mandatory break after 4.5 hours of driving.
• Maximum weekly driving time: 56 hours per week (i.e., over 7 consecutive days).
• Maximum bi-monthly driving time: 90 hours over two consecutive weeks.

Mandatory break times

• A break of at least 45 minutes is mandatory after 4.5 hours of continuous driving.
• This break may be split into two parts: a first break of at least 15 minutes followed by a second break of at least 30 minutes, in that specific order.
• When driving with a double crew, the break may be taken in the vehicle provided that the driver on break is not responsible for assisting the driver at the wheel.

Minimum rest periods

• Minimum daily rest period: 11 consecutive hours, which may be reduced to 9 hours a maximum of 3 times per week. The daily rest period may be taken in two periods, the first of at least 3 hours and the second of at least 9 hours.
• Minimum weekly rest period: 45 consecutive hours (normal weekly rest period). Rest for heavy goods vehicle drivers is crucial for their recovery.
• Reduced weekly rest: May be reduced to a minimum of 24 hours, provided that it is compensated for by an equivalent period of rest taken in one block before the end of the third week following the week in question. A driver may not take two consecutive reduced weekly rest periods, except in the case of international transport.

Postponement of weekly rest

Weekly rest time may be postponed and compensated for at a later date, but compensation rules must be strictly adhered to in order to avoid penalties.

Exemptions and exceptions to the regulations

• In exceptional circumstances or cases of force majeure, temporary exemptions may be granted, for example to meet urgent delivery needs or during times of crisis.
• Certain road transport activities, such as the transport of perishable goods, may benefit from specific exemptions allowing them to operate during periods when driving is prohibited or to extend driving times within certain limits.

Recording of driving and rest times

The digital tachograph is a mandatory device that tracks driving hours and records time spent driving, taking breaks, or resting. Each driver must have a driver card that identifies and records their activities, ensuring that hours are tracked and tachograph data is traceable. These devices are essential for roadside checks and regulatory compliance verification.

Controls and penalties for non-compliance

The authorities carry out regular checks and can penalize violations of the rules on driving and rest times. Penalties can range from fines to immobilization of the vehicle, or even criminal prosecution in the event of repeat offenses or serious danger.

Double crew: regulatory specifics

• With a double crew, drivers take turns at the wheel, which allows for longer effective driving times.
• Each driver keeps their personal driving and rest times, with a maximum of 10 hours of driving per day twice a week.
• The 45-minute breaks can be taken in the vehicle by the driver who is resting, provided that they are not assisting the active driver.
• A typical example of a day with a double crew: each driver can drive for up to 10 hours (with a break) and must then take a rest period of at least 9 hours.

Adaptation of regulations to international travel

European rules apply uniformly in all Member States, facilitating international travel. Certain specific exemptions may be granted for international transport, particularly with regard to reduced weekly rest periods.

Responsibilities of the transport company

• The company must implement internal procedures to monitor driving and rest times.
• It must train its drivers in the applicable regulations.
• In the event of non-compliance, the transport company may be held liable and subject to administrative or criminal penalties.

Summary table of driving and rest times