Drivers’ Hours (UK)

EU drivers’ hours and tachograph rules still apply to journeys between the EU and UK, or wholly within the EU or UK.

AETR (the European Agreement Concerning the Work of Crews of Vehicles Engaged in International Road Transport) apply to journeys outside of the EU, including journeys involving Norway and Switzerland.

3 sets of rules could apply to a road journey:

* EU rules – here

A person must not drive more than:

• 9 hours in a day – this can be extended to 10 hours twice a week

• 56 hours in a week

• 90 hours in any 2 consecutive weeks

All driving carried out under EU rules must be recorded on a tachograph. And there are EU rules on breaks and rest.

* AETR rules – here

AETR rules are the same as the EU rules.

* GB domestic rules – here

GB domestic rules are not completely the same as EU rules (that was the case also before the UK exited the EU) and apply to most goods vehicles that don’t need to follow EU rules. GB rules apply in Britain. Separate domestic rules apply in Northern Ireland – here.

The rules that apply depend on:

• the type of vehicle being driven

• which country the vehicle is being driving in

If driving under the EU or GB domestic drivers’ hours rules, a person also needs to follow the working time rules – here.

The employer of drivers or mobile workers must also follow additional rules – here.

The collection of guidance links on Drivers’ Hours is here. Note the temporary relaxations for Covid.