Driving and rest periods for trucks

Basic Rules for Driving and Resting Time

Everyone who drives a truck over 3,500 kg total weight must follow the EU regulations for driving and resting time. The rules are intended to prevent fatigue and accidents.

Breaks and Rest

• After 4.5 hours of driving, you must take at least a 45-minute break.
• The break can be split into 15 + 30 minutes, but the 15-minute break must come first.
• Daily rest is normally 11 consecutive hours, which can be reduced to 9 hours up to three times between two weekly rests.
• Weekly rest is at least 45 hours, every other week it can be reduced to 24 hours.## Tachograph and Documentation

All vehicles covered by the rules must have a digital tachograph. The driver must:

• Use their own driver card in the tachograph.
• Record all activities correctly with the right symbol.
• Keep printouts and data in the vehicle for at least 28 days.

Consequences of Violations

• Fines and points during inspections.
• Serious violations can lead to seizure of the driver card.
• The transport company is also responsible for ensuring that the rules are followed.

Prepare Yourself

• Test your knowledge with a free theory test for trucks.
• Read more about load securing .
• Also see tachograph for rules on documentation of driving time.