Driving and rest time for professional drivers

EU Rules for Driving and Rest Periods

The rules for driving and rest periods follow EU Regulation 561 and apply to anyone driving a truck over 3.5 tons or a bus with seating for more than 9 people in commercial transport.

Driving Time Limits

The 45-minute break can be divided into two periods: first 15 minutes, then 30 minutes.

Rest Time| Type | Requirement |

| — | — | | Daily rest (normal) | At least 11 consecutive hours | | Daily rest (reduced) | At least 9 hours (maximum 3 times between two weekly rests) | | Split daily rest | 3 hours + 9 hours within 24 hours | | Weekly rest (normal) | At least 45 consecutive hours | | Weekly rest (reduced) | At least 24 hours (to be compensated within 3 weeks) |

A reduced weekly rest must be compensated with corresponding rest related to another rest period of at least 9 hours.

Tachograph

All vehicles covered by the rules must have a tachograph.- Digital tachograph is mandatory in new vehicles and automatically records all driving activity.

• The driver must use their personal driver card in the tachograph.
• The tachograph records driving, other work, availability, and rest.
• You are required to be able to show data for the last 28 days during inspections.

Sanctions for violations

Violations of driving and rest time rules can have serious consequences.

The Road Administration and police carry out regular inspections both on roads and at companies.

Further reading

• Read about YSK basic course which covers driving and rest times in the training.
• See requirements for YSK continuing education for renewing your competence.
• Read about the regulations with EU regulations and Norwegian implementation.
• Practice with a free theory test to test your knowledge.