Effective driver planning and safety: Everything you need to know about truck driving and rest times

The driving and rest times for truck and car drivers in Europe serve to ensure road safety, protect drivers and ensure efficient transport. These regulations are intended to prevent drivers from becoming fatigued and overworked, which can lead to accidents. Experts in international transportation in Germany, the company MTonroad, will tell you on what legal norms the management of drivers’ working time is based.

In Europe, these regulations are governed by a number of documents, including:

• European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road (ADR): This agreement contains regulations for the transport of dangerous goods, including requirements for drivers.
• European Union Directive 2002/15/EC: A directive laying down common rules for working and rest times for drivers in the road transport sector.
• EU Regulation No. 561/2006: A legal act that establishes uniform rules for driving times, breaks and rest periods for drivers in cross-border transport within the EU.

The laws and guidelines set limits on maximum daily and weekly driving time as well as requirements for rest periods and breaks between driving periods. EU Regulation No. 561/2006 is mandatory for all drivers in cross-border transport in Europe and aims to ensure road safety and the health of drivers.

Truck driving times - who has to adhere to the regulations?

The provisions on driving and rest times apply to vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes in accordance with Regulation (EC) No. 561/2006 and are specified in more detail by the Driving Personnel Act (FpersG).

These regulations primarily concern

• Persons transporting goods in vehicles with a permissible total weight of 3.5 tonnes,
• or vehicles designed to carry more than nine people including the driver.

Small vehicle drivers are subject to the relevant regulations of the Working Hours Act.

The Driving and Rest Times Act: Social regulations for working hours

The Driving and Rest Periods Act defines the social regulations for drivers' working hours and driving times. It establishes clear distinctions between these two periods and defines the permissible norms for both.

• Working time includes all activities that a driver carries out during his shift, including driving time, but also breaks, loading and unloading and other tasks.
• Driving time specifically refers to the time a driver actually spends behind the wheel.

The laws specify how long a driver can work daily and weekly, as well as the maximum length of driving time per day and per week. The Driving and Rest Times Act has been in force since May 1, 2006 both at the EU level and in Germany and has been adapted several times to meet changing needs and requirements. A specific term used in these regulations is “daily driving time”. According to EU Regulation No. 561/2006, drivers are only allowed to drive for a maximum of 9 hours in a 24-hour period. There are also regulations for breaks and rest periods between shifts to ensure that drivers have sufficient time for recovery.

On August 20, 2020, significant changes were introduced to EU social legislation on road transport, in particular regarding rest periods. These regulations define the period in which drivers can freely dispose of their time. Article 8 of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 has been revised to make it clear that the regular weekly rest period must not be spent in vehicles or in parking spaces.

Compliance with these social regulations for trucks is of great importance to ensure the health and safety of drivers and to promote fair working conditions. Violations of these regulations can result in fines, sanctions against the company and even the revocation of your driving license.

How is the truck driving time break calculated correctly?

Driving time breaks for truck drivers are set by law to ensure that drivers take adequate rest and recovery breaks and maintain road safety.

According to EU regulations, truck drivers must take a break of at least 45 minutes after every 4.5 hours of continuous driving. These breaks can either last 45 minutes continuously or be divided into two periods of 15 minutes each, followed by another period of at least 30 minutes.

For example, if a truck driver started his journey at 8:00 a.m., he must take a break of at least 45 minutes 4.5 hours later, at 12:30 p.m. This break could e.g. B. last from 12:30 p.m. to 1:15 p.m.

The time the driver spends during the break is not counted as working time. After the break has ended, the driver can continue his journey until he has reached the legal limit the permitted daily driving time has been reached.

How long should the daily rest time be?

Providing truck drivers with daily rest periods is an important aspect of the Driving and Rest Periods Ordinance, which gives drivers the necessary time to rest. According to the law, the daily rest period must be at least 11 hours. This rest period is intended to ensure that drivers have enough time to recover physically and mentally before continuing their work.

There are certain rules and exceptions for the daily rest period:

• The daily rest period can be divided into two or three periods, provided that the total rest period is at least 11 hours and one of the rest periods is at least 8 hours.
• A reduced daily rest period of 9 hours is permitted three times a week, but the lost rest period must be made up by the end of the following week.
• When working with multiple drivers on the same vehicle, each driver must have at least 8 hours of rest within a 30-hour period.

Weekly rest period requirements for truck drivers

According to legal regulations, the weekly rest period must be at least 45 hours. However, there is flexibility in the length and timing of rest periods, depending on operational requirements and drivers' individual work schedules.

• An important rule is that the weekly rest period must be taken after no more than six days of driving activity. An exception exists for cross-border passenger traffic, where the rest period can occur after six 24-hour periods.
• In addition, reduced rest periods for truck drivers may be considered, but on condition that this reduction is compensated for within three weeks. For example, the weekly rest period can be reduced to 24 hours, but must be compensated for by a rest period of at least 45 hours within three weeks.

How are truck driving times recorded if the driver is busy with other work before the journey?

If a truck driver does other work before the journey, the driving times are of course recorded and applied. The Working Hours Act (ArbZG) regulates the working hours of employees and also contains regulations for employees in the road transport sector. Some important provisions of the Working Hours Act are:

• Maximum daily working time: The daily working time must generally not exceed 8 hours. However, working hours can also be extended to up to 10 hours if an average of 8 hours per working day is not exceeded within 6 calendar months or 24 weeks.
• Rest breaks: After 6 hours, a break of at least 30 minutes must be taken. This break can be split as long as each break is at least 15 minutes.
• Rest period: There must be an uninterrupted rest period of at least 11 hours between two working days.
• Maximum weekly working hours: The weekly working hours may not exceed 48 hours, but on average over 24 weeks, 48 ​​hours per week.

This ensures that the driver gets appropriate rest periods and that working time regulations are adhered to, even if he was busy with other work before the journey.

Driving and rest times for truck drivers table with examples

Before deploying a driver, careful calculations of driving and rest times are essential. Drivers must get enough rest to ensure they drive safely and obey the law. Our table will help you make your own calculations without errors and ensure that drivers work in accordance with regulations.

It is important to note that the driving time in a period of two consecutive weeks must not exceed a total of 90 hours. If you intend to drive the maximum permitted driving time of 56 hours in one week, you are only allowed to drive for 34 hours in the previous week and the following week combined. This is because the total travel time is limited to a maximum of 90 hours in each double week.

Example: Driving and rest times for truck drivers table

week 1

week 2

How are truck driving and rest times monitored?

Driving and rest times for truck drivers are generally monitored and documented using the following methods:

• Digital tachographs: Modern trucks are equipped with digital tachographs that automatically record driving and rest times. These devices accurately record vehicle movements, driving times, breaks and rest periods and enable easy verification by drivers and control authorities.
• Manual records (driver card): If a digital tachograph is not available, drivers can keep manual records of their driving and rest times. This can be done by filling out logbooks or time sheets in which the actual driving times as well as breaks and rest periods are recorded.

Controlling driving and rest times can be carried out by various authorities and organizations, including police and traffic authorities, professional associations and labor inspections.

However, there are also exceptions to the driving and rest time regulations:

• No stopping: If it is not possible to stop at a suitable place to observe the prescribed rest period due to traffic signs or special instructions, an exception may be made.
• Overcrowded parking spaces: If all suitable parking spaces along the route are occupied, an exception to the rest period requirements may be made, provided the driver can demonstrate reasonable efforts to find a suitable rest area.
• Traffic jams or traffic disruptions: If a driver is unable to reach a parking space in time due to unforeseen traffic disruptions such as traffic jams or accidents, an exception to the driving time regulations can be made as long as the driver can demonstrably make every effort to comply with the prescribed rest period.

Driving times for truck drivers with a double crew

If two drivers are on board a vehicle together, they must comply with the same rest period requirements as a single driver. The time will continue to be counted in accordance with the legal provisions of the Working Hours Act and the Driving and Rest Time Regulation (EC) No. 561/2006.

The main rules for rest periods are as follows:

• Daily rest period: Every driver must take a daily rest period of at least 11 hours after completing their driving period.
• Weekly rest period: Weekly rest period is normally 45 hours. However, it can be shortened to 24 hours if certain conditions are met. This rest period must be compensated within three weeks.
• Standstill times: The vehicle must actually stand still during the driver's rest periods. This means that the vehicle may not be put into operation during this time and cannot be used for transport.

Driver regulations driving and rest times for bus drivers

The Driver Ordinance regulates driving and rest times for bus drivers and sets out detailed rules that can vary depending on the distance between stations. The most important rules are explained in detail below:

• Daily driving time: The daily driving time for bus drivers is a maximum of 9 hours. In certain cases it can be extended to 10 hours, but not more than twice a week.
• Minimum breaks: After a driving time of 4.5 hours, a break of at least 45 minutes must be taken. Alternatively, the driving time can be divided into 15 minute increments, with a break of at least 30 minutes required after 4.5 hours.
• Daily rest period: Bus drivers must take a daily rest period of at least 11 hours after completing their driving time.
• Weekly driving time: The weekly driving time must not exceed 56 hours.
• Weekly rest period: The weekly rest period is at least 45 hours. However, it can be shortened to 24 hours on condition that it is cleared within three weeks.

For short routes with a short distance between stations, driving and rest times can be adjusted to ensure that drivers receive sufficient rest and can still adhere to the timetable. However, these adjustments must be made in accordance with legal regulations and with passenger safety in mind.

Compliance with these rules is crucial to ensure road safety and ensure that bus drivers are sufficiently rested and focused. Violations of driving and rest time regulations can lead to serious consequences, including fines and sanctions against the company from police and BAG control. It is therefore crucial for bus companies and drivers to strictly comply with these regulations.

The driving and rest times law for company Sprinter class vehicles: What do you have to pay attention to?

The driving and rest period law for sprinters, also known as category N1 vehicles, contains some specific features that drivers and companies must take into account. Below are the key points:

1. Total weight: Sprinters that are used for commercial goods transport and belong to category N1 usually have a permissible total weight of up to 3.5 tons.
2. Driving and rest periods: Although sprinters are not subject to the strict heavy truck regulations, drivers must still maintain appropriate rest periods to ensure their safety and the safety of other road users. It doesn't matter whether they are used commercially for transporting goods or privately for moving in Germany. The exact driving and rest requirements may vary depending on national laws, but generally less stringent regulations apply compared to heavy trucks.
3. Daily control sheet: In contrast to heavier vehicles, sprinter drivers do not need an electronic logbook. Instead, it is sufficient to keep a daily control sheet, for which no specific form is required.

• Before starting each journey, the driver's name, registration number, date, mileage and time of start of the journey must be noted.
• During the journey, the start and end of driving times, other working times, interruptions in driving times and breaks or rest periods are recorded.
• At the end of the journey, the time, the final mileage and the kilometer difference of the entire route are documented again.

After the deadline for the obligation to carry the records has expired, the records must be handed over to the employer immediately. This person is legally obliged to keep the records for one year and to present them upon request. It is the entrepreneur's responsibility to check the records weekly and ensure that all driving and rest time regulations are adhered to. In the event of violations of these provisions, the entrepreneur must take all measures at his disposal to remedy the violations.

New truck driving times: What fines are threatened?

According to EU Regulation 561/2006, entrepreneurs, freight forwarders and driving agencies are obliged to ensure that drivers' driving and rest times are properly adhered to. If social regulations are violated, both the drivers and the entrepreneurs concerned face fines.

The amount of fines for violations of the new driving hours for truck drivers can vary depending on the type of violation. According to Section 8 of the Driving Personnel Act (FPersG), fines of up to 30,000 euros can be imposed. However, in practice this maximum rate is rarely encountered for minor or first-time violations. Nevertheless, the entrepreneur is generally hit harder financially than the driver. In the event of violations, the employer is usually liable for a fine that is three times as high. However, there are no plans for a driving ban or points in Flensburg for either the drivers or the entrepreneurs involved.

Below you will find an overview of possible fines that can apply in Germany for violations of driving and rest times:

• Violation of the daily driving time: If the maximum daily driving time of 9 hours is exceeded, fines of several hundred euros can be imposed.
• For example, if the regular weekly rest period is spent in the vehicle or in a place without adequate sleeping facilities, severe penalties may be imposed. Drivers can be fined up to 1,000 euros, while entrepreneurs can be fined up to 3,000 euros.
• Violation of weekly driving time: Exceeding the weekly driving time can also result in fines, depending on the amount of the excess and other circumstances.
• Violations of documentation requirements are also punished and can lead to three-digit fines.

The exact fines and penalties may vary depending on the specific regulations of each country. It is important that truck drivers and companies stay informed about current laws and fine rates in order to avoid violations and ensure road safety.