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Legal Information - Drivers Hours
The EU rules (Regulation (EC) 561/2006) apply to drivers of most
vehicles used for the carriage of goods (including dual purpose
vehicles) where the maximum permissible weight of the vehicle,
including any trailer or semi-trailer, exceeds 3.5 tonnes and where
the vehicle is used within the UK or between the UK and other EU
and EEA countries and Switzerland.
Permitted Driving Hours
You are permitted to drive a maximum of 9 hours a day; this can be
extended to 10 hours twice a week.
Your weekly driving allowance is 56 hours in 6 driving periods.
The maximum amount of hours permitted is 56 hours per week or 90
hours each 2 weeks.
Break Times
You are required to take a break of at least 45 minutes after 4.5
hours of driving. A break must be taken unless a daily or weekly
rest period follows immediately.
This can be broken down to 15 minute breaks during your driving
period however your first break must be at least 15 minutes and
your second break during the 4.5 hour period must be at least 30
minutes
A break is any period during which a driver may not carry out any
driving or any other work and which is used exclusively for
recuperation. A break may be taken in a moving vehicle, provided no
other work is undertaken.
As a member of the EU drivers are subject to the Working Time
Directive.
A break of 30 minutes is required for 6-9 hours work; 45 minutes
for over 9 hours.
Breaks can be divided into 15 minute slots. First break must be at
least 30 minutes
As many drivers will have had a 45 minute break before reaching
the 6 hour point so the working time directive will not
apply.
Provided that road safety is not jeopardised, and to enable a
driver to reach a suitable stopping place, a departure from the EU
rules may be permitted to the extent necessary to ensure the safety
of persons, the vehicle or its load. Drivers must note all the
reasons for doing so on the back of their tachograph record sheets.
As this information is recorded it will be checked and regular
occurrence of extended driving time will indicate that the relevant
rules are not being adhered to.
