For HGV drivers, it’s not just a legal requirement to understand and adhere to the EU driver’s hours regulations—it’s a matter of safety and productivity. These regulations are to prevent driver fatigue, protect other road users and give drivers a better work life balance. Here is a guide to HGV driving hours, when they apply and why you must comply.
HGV Driver Hours
What are HGV Hours?
Drivers hours are regulations set by the UK government that govern how long an HGV driver can drive their vehicle in a day, week, and fortnight. These rules also dictate the breaks and rest periods drivers must take to ensure their own safety and the safety of others on the road.
- Applies to: Vehicles in Great Britain over 3.5 tonnes or exempt from EU rules.
- Safety Objective: To reduce the risk of accidents caused by fatigue, keep drivers awake and alert.
Who does it apply to?
The rules apply to:
- Drivers of goods vehicles or combinations of vehicles and trailers over 3.5 tonnes.
- Professional HGV drivers, also known as lorry drivers, who must stick to strict driving hours and rest periods.
By sticking to these limits the rules are to prevent fatigue related incidents and road safety.
Daily Hours
Daily Hours: How many hours?
- Standard: 9 hours per day, with a reduced daily rest period of nine hours allowed a limited number of times each week.
- Extension: Drivers can add 1 hour up to twice a week.
These limits are to prevent driver fatigue and reduce accidents caused by tiredness. Compliance with these limits is mandatory under EU driving regulations.
Weekly Hours
Weekly Hours: Cumulative Hours
The weekly hours are cumulative:
- Weekly Limit: 56 hours per week.
- Fortnightly Limit: A rolling 2 week limit of 90 hours.
For example if a driver reaches 56 hours in one week the next week must not exceed 34 hours.
Weekly Rest: Road Safety
HGV drivers must follow rest period rules:
- Frequency: Weekly rest periods must be taken at least every 6 days.
- Duration: Drivers must take at least 2 weekly rest periods in 2 consecutive weeks, one of which must be at least 45 hours long.
- The last weekly rest period must be followed by a new weekly rest period within six consecutive 24-hour periods.
Weekly rest is essential for recovery so drivers can drive safely and productively on the road.
Breaks and Rest
Mandatory Break Times and Rest
- Driving Break: After 4.5 hours of continuous driving, drivers must take a break of at least 45 minutes. This mandatory break can be split into two breaks—15 minutes followed by 30 minutes.
- Daily Rest: Standard daily rest is 11 hours. However, this can be reduced to 9 hours up to 3 times a week.
- Split Rest: Drivers can break their rest into two periods—one of at least 3 hours and the other of at least 9 hours.
These breaks keep drivers awake and alert and reduce the risk of fatigue errors.
Working Time Directive
Working Time (Including Driving)
The Working Time Directive adds to driving hours and regulates working hours:
- Weekly Average: Drivers must not exceed 48 hours of working time per week.
- Maximum Hours: 60 hours can be worked in a week.
- Night Work: Maximum 10 hours of night work.
Working Time Breaks and Rest
Breaks under the directive:
- Short Breaks: 15 minutes every 6 hours of work.
- Longer Shifts: 30 minutes break for 6-9 hour shifts, 45 minutes for shifts over 9 hours.
These rules mirror EU driving rules so consistency and safety.
Recording Driving and Working Time
How to Record Driving and Working Time for an HGV Driver
Accurate recording is essential:
- Tachographs: These record driving time, speed and distance.
- Employer Records: Employers must keep accurate working time records using tachograph data or other reliable methods.
- Digital Tools: Apps like Truck Timer and TachoGuard, HGV driver hour calculators make tracking and compliance easier.
Tachographs are used to monitor driver activity and compliance with the rules.
Tachographs and Enforcement
What is a Tachograph?
A tachograph is an electronic device fitted to HGVs to record:
- Driving time.
- Rest and breaks.
- Distance travelled.
- Speed.
Tachograph Usage: How Drivers Use Tachographs
To get accurate data:
- Smart Cards: Drivers must insert their smart card into the digital tachograph at the start of their shift.
- Manual Entries: Rest and break times must be recorded accurately.
Tachographs are key to HGV driver hour enforcement.
EU Driving
EU Driving Hours and Weekly Rest
Post Brexit most EU driver hours still apply to UK HGV drivers unless specific exemptions are in place:
- Daily Limit: 9 hours per day, extendable to 10 hours twice a week.
- Weekly Limit: 60 hours of working time in a week.
Additionally, drivers must adhere to a regular weekly rest period of at least 45 hours to ensure driver well-being and road safety. These rules match UK and EU standards so cross border consistency and safety.
Additional Requirements for EU Driving
When operating in the EU, HGV drivers must adhere to additional specific requirements beyond the standard regulations. These rules are designed to ensure safety and consistency across borders. Firstly, the maximum daily driving limit is set at 9 hours, but this can be extended to 10 hours twice a week. Over a week, drivers must not exceed 56 hours of driving, and within a two-week period, the limit is 90 hours.
Rest is equally important. A regular daily rest period of 11 hours is mandatory, although this can be reduced to 9 hours up to three times a week. Additionally, a weekly rest period of 45 hours must be taken every six consecutive 24-hour periods. To prevent fatigue, drivers must take a minimum break of 45 minutes after 4.5 hours of driving, which can be split into two periods of 15 minutes and 30 minutes. These regulations ensure that HGV drivers remain alert and safe on the road, maintaining high standards of road safety across the EU.
Penalties and Exemptions
Penalties for Exceeding HGV Driving Hours
Non compliance can result in harsh penalties:
- Fines: Fines can be imposed based on 28 days of driving history.
- License Loss: Repeat offenders may have their license suspended or revoked.
- Safety Risks: Overworked drivers are more likely to have an accident.
Exemptions to Daily Driving Limits
Exemptions apply in exceptional circumstances:
- Extended Driving: Drivers can exceed daily limits by one hour to get to a safe stopping point.
- Special Exemptions: Jobs with a lot of non-driving tasks may have bespoke rules, including the option for a reduced daily rest period. For instance, HGV drivers can reduce their standard daily rest period from 11 hours to a minimum of 9 hours, but this can only occur up to three times a week.
Exceptions are for unusual situations without compromising safety.
Exceptions to Daily Driving Limits
While the regulations for HGV driving hours are strict, there are certain exceptions to the daily driving limits that drivers should be aware of. For instance, drivers engaged in transport operations where driving is not their main activity may be exempt from some driving hour restrictions. This flexibility acknowledges the varied nature of transport jobs.
Additionally, drivers conducting short-distance transport may be allowed to deviate from regular regulations, such as taking reduced daily rest periods, provided they compensate for it later. This ensures that drivers can manage their schedules effectively without compromising safety.
In cases of unexpected delays due to traffic or adverse weather conditions, drivers may extend their daily driving limit to 10 hours twice a week. These exceptions are designed to provide practical solutions to real-world challenges while maintaining the overall safety and well-being of HGV drivers.
Summary
HGV driving hours are more than rules – they’re vital for road safety and driver and road user well being. By following the limits, taking breaks and recording driving time HGV drivers can drive safely and legally. Knowing and applying these principles makes for a safer and more efficient driving environment for all.
