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Driver's Hours - Basics

 

This is a very simple outline of EU rules:
There are many refinements, vehicle exemptions, etc.
Domestic rules allow more driving time.
i.e.: If say, you are only working for Royal Mail, in a week, then you can use Domestic rules for that week.

Hours - Basics
  Hours - Rules & Exemptions
  Working Time Directive
  Graduated Fixed Penalties
  Sleepiness KILLS!
  Worcs Lorry Routes
  Download Publications
  ADR Regulations, (links)
NB: These rules are complex: Drivers are bound to make mistakes.
I get emails saying this is wrong, I change it, and then I get emails saying the new text is wrong. And I don't get paid for this. MD.
If you have a query, please contact the people who make the rules.
Download Official European parliament publication,
(Adobe PDF; 416 Kb)
Download outline of changes, (11/04/2007. Word doc; 75 Kb)
VOSA Downloads: Drivers hours and Tachograph guides
 

from April 2007

Daily Driving:   Max 9 hours. Can be extended to 10 hours twice a week
Weekly Driving:   Max 56 hours.
2 weeks:   90 hours
Breaks: After 4 1/2 hours driving, you must take a break of at least 45 minutes.
Breaks of 15 minutes, taken during the above driving period, can count towards that break. First break must be at least 15 minutes. Second break must be at least 30 minutes.
Drivers are also subject to the Working Time Directive
WTD: After 6 hours work/driving you must have a break: Minimum 30 minutes.
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.
Where mixed driving and working is carried out, the drivers' hours rules on breaks (EC/3820/85) take precedence.
Hours worked
Normal driving day
  30 minutes on checks, driving for 4.5 hours; normal 45 minute break required. WTD does not apply.
Driving affected by the WTD
  Work or POA for 3 hours, driving for 3 hours; min. 30 minute break required, (WTD).
You can then drive for (max) 1.5 hours; 15 minute break required, (Driving Reg's).
WTD does apply: You must have 30 minute break.
Minimum Daily Rest: Normally 11 consecutive hours.
Rest periods can be taken in a vehicle if that vehicle has a bunk and is stationary.
Reduced Daily Rest: 9 hours up to 3 times in a week.
Split Daily Rest: 12 hour rest period may be taken in two periods:
First period must be at least 3 hours.
Second period must be at least 9 hours.
Weekly Rest Periods: Within six 24 hour periods from the end of the last weekly rest period, a driver will extend a daily rest period into either; a regular weekly rest period of at least 45 hours, or a reduced weekly rest period of less than 45 hours but at least 24 hours.

In any two consecutive weeks, a driver shall take at least two regular weekly rest periods, or one regular weekly rest period and one reduced weekly rest period of at least 24 hours.
However, the reduction shall be compensated by an equivalent period of rest taken en bloc before the end of the third week following the week in question.
Rest on ferries / trains: Where a driver accompanies a vehicle which is transported by ferry or train,
and takes a regular (not less than 11 hour) daily rest period, that period may be interrupted not more than twice by other activities not exceeding one hour in total.
During that regular daily rest period the driver shall have access to a bunk or couchette.
Double Manning: Within 30 hours of the end of a daily or weekly rest period, a driver engaged in multi-manning must have taken a new daily rest period of at least 9 hours.
For the first hour of multi-manning the presence of another driver or drivers is optional, but for the remainder of the period it is compulsory.
More... Domestic Rules
MIXED DRIVING (DOMESTIC and EC), Exemptions
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