Drivers' hours rules are one of the most important areas of compliance for HGV drivers in the UK. Breaching them can result in fines, prosecution, and loss of your licence. This guide explains the EU drivers' hours rules that apply to most HGV drivers in the UK, the domestic rules that apply to certain exempted vehicles, and the key limits you need to know.
Which Rules Apply to You?
There are two sets of drivers' hours rules in the UK:
- EU/AETR rules: Apply to most HGV drivers operating vehicles over 3.5 tonnes on public roads. These are the rules most professional drivers need to know.
- Domestic rules: Apply to drivers who are exempt from EU rules, such as those driving vehicles between 3.5 and 7.5 tonnes on domestic journeys only, or drivers of certain specialist vehicles.
EU Drivers' Hours Rules: Key Limits
| Limit | EU Rule |
|---|---|
| Daily driving limit | 9 hours (extendable to 10 hours twice per week) |
| Weekly driving limit | 56 hours |
| Fortnightly driving limit | 90 hours |
| Break after driving | 45 minutes after every 4.5 hours of continuous driving (can be split: 15 min + 30 min) |
| Daily rest | 11 hours (can be reduced to 9 hours up to 3 times per week) |
| Weekly rest | 45 hours (can be reduced to 24 hours every other week) |
The 4.5-Hour Rule
After every 4.5 hours of driving, you must take a break of at least 45 minutes. This break can 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 order. You cannot reverse the order. During the break, you must not drive or perform other work.
Daily Rest Requirements
Between any two consecutive daily working periods, you must take a daily rest period of at least 11 hours. This can be reduced to 9 hours (a reduced daily rest) up to 3 times per week, but the reduction must be compensated before the end of the following week. A split daily rest is also permitted: two periods, the first at least 3 hours and the second at least 9 hours, totalling at least 12 hours.
Weekly Rest Requirements
In any two consecutive weeks, you must take at least one regular weekly rest of 45 hours and one reduced weekly rest of at least 24 hours. The reduction must be compensated by an equivalent period of rest taken en bloc before the end of the third week following the week in question.
Tachograph Requirements
EU drivers' hours rules must be recorded using a tachograph. Digital tachographs record data automatically when the vehicle is moving. Drivers must insert their smart card when driving and make manual entries for any time spent in other activities (such as driving a non-tachograph vehicle). See our Tachograph Rules guide for full details.
Penalties for Breaching Drivers' Hours Rules
DVSA enforcement officers can stop vehicles at the roadside and inspect tachograph records. Penalties range from fixed penalty notices of £300 for minor infringements to unlimited fines and prosecution for serious or persistent breaches. Operators can also face Traffic Commissioner action including loss of their operator's licence.
