Tachograph & Drivers’ Hours Quick Reference

Drivers hours rules are a core part of operator compliance. This quick reference summarises the main requirements for goods vehicles operating under retained Regulation (EC) 561/2006 and the basic tachograph obligations under Regulation (EU) 165/2014. Always check current legislation and official guidance before relying on this information.

Drivers Hours Rules: Key Driving Limits

• Daily driving limit: Maximum 9 hours.
• Extended daily driving: May be increased to 10 hours on no more than two days in a week.
• Weekly driving limit: Maximum 56 hours.
• Fortnightly driving limit: Maximum 90 hours in any two consecutive weeks.

Driving time means the period recorded as driving by the tachograph. Other work does not count towards driving limits but must still be recorded where required.

Break Requirements

• A driver must take at least 45 minutes of break after no more than 4.5 hours of driving.
• The 45-minute break may be taken as a single break.
• Alternatively, it may be split into:
  • At least 15 minutes followed by
  • At least 30 minutes
• The split breaks must be completed within the 4.5-hour driving period.

Breaks are intended for rest and recuperation and should not be used for driving or other work.

Daily Rest Requirements

• Regular daily rest: At least 11 hours.
• Split daily rest: At least 12 hours in total, taken as a minimum of 3 hours followed by a minimum of 9 hours.
• Reduced daily rest: At least 9 hours but less than 11 hours.
• Reduced daily rest may be taken no more than three times between weekly rest periods.

Daily rest should be planned alongside work schedules, loading activities and preventive maintenance inspection (PMI) planning to help maintain compliance.

Weekly Rest Requirements

• Regular weekly rest: At least 45 consecutive hours.
• Reduced weekly rest: Minimum 24 consecutive hours.
• A weekly rest period must start no later than the end of six 24-hour periods from the end of the previous weekly rest period.
• Compensation requirements apply where a weekly rest period is reduced.

Operators should refer to the retained Regulation and current official guidance for the detailed rules on reduced weekly rest compensation.

Basic Tachograph Rules

Under Regulation (EU) 165/2014, drivers and operators must use tachographs correctly and keep accurate records.

• Use the correct driver card for all in-scope driving.
• Make manual entries where required to account for activities not automatically recorded.
• Select the correct mode for driving, other work, availability and rest or break periods.
• Carry records as required by current legislation.
• Report lost, stolen, damaged or malfunctioning cards in accordance with the applicable requirements.
• Ensure vehicle units are inspected and calibrated at the required intervals.
• Download and retain vehicle unit and driver card data in line with operator systems and legal requirements.

Operator Compliance Checks

• Review tachograph data regularly.
• Investigate infringements and record corrective action.
• Provide driver training and refresher training.
• Maintain clear systems for record keeping and analysis.
• Follow the DVSA Guide to Maintaining Roadworthiness.
• Consider the expectations set out in the Senior Traffic Commissioner’s Statutory Documents.

The principal sources for these requirements are retained Regulation (EC) 561/2006, Regulation (EU) 165/2014, DVSA guidance and Traffic Commissioner guidance. Rules can change, particularly where international operations are involved, so always check current official publications.

This is general guidance for Great Britain and is not legal advice.