Driver Regulations

Type of duty

Road Transport (Working Time

Regulations 2005

EU Drivers Hours Rules (Reg.561/2006)

Maximum weekly shift time

No limit on shift time as such, but an average weekly working time limit of 48 hours will apply over 17/26 week reference period. There is no specified limit for Periods of Availability.

A maximum 60 hours working time can be performed in a single week however also see EU Drivers Rules.

56 hour driving limit which must not exceed the maximum working time allowed under RT(WT)R.

Maximum daily shift time

No limit on daily shift time as such. Shift time is normally made up of POA + Working Time and there is no specified limit on POA, however see EU Drivers Rules.

None specified, but daily rest requirement effectively limits the length of the working day. The maximum working day is 15 hours.

Maximum work performed at night

There is a 10 hour working time limit for night work for each 24 hour period. This can be extended beyond 10 hours with a Workforce or Collective Agreement.

None specified, but daily rest requirement effectively limits the length of work performed at night.

Daily driving

None specified, but see EU drivers rules.

9 hours (but this can be increased to 10 hours twice a week).

Breaks

When driving, the break periods under EU drivers’ rules take precedence over RTWT breaks.

A mobile worker should not work more than 6 consecutive hours without a break.

If working time hours total between 6 and 9 hours a day, breaks totalling at least 30 mins are required.

Where working time hours total more than 9 hours a day, breaks totalling a minimum of 45 mins must be taken overall.

Breaks can be divided into 15 minute slots.

A driver must take a break or breaks totalling at least 45 minutes after a maximum 4.5 hours continuous or accumulated driving.

The 45 minutes break may be in 2 breaks, the first being at least 15 mins and the second being at least 30 mins.

Daily rest

The daily rest periods under EU drivers’ hours rules apply.

11 hours reducible to 9 hours 3 times a week between any 2 weekly rest periods. Rest may be taken in vehicle if with sleeper for each driver and is stationary. Compensations for reductions not required.

Weekly rest

The weekly rest periods under EU drivers’ hours rules. See EU drivers’ rules.

45 hours reducible to 24 hours. 45 hours rest required in any 2 consecutive weeks.