Drivers Working Hours Article Index for
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Information About

Drivers Working Hours




Drivers working hours within the European Union are regulated by
EU regulation (EC) No 561/2006 {Link without Title} which entered into force on April 11, 2007.


DAILY DRIVING TIME

The daily driving time shall not exceed 9 hours. Twice a week the daily driving time may be extended to 10 hours.


NONSTOP DRIVING TIME

The nonstop driving time may not exceed 4.5 hours. After 4.5 hours of driving the driver must take a break period of at least 45 minutes.
however, this can be split into 2 breaks, the first being at least 15 minutes, and the second being at least 30 minutes in length.


WEEKLY AND FORTNIGHTLY DRIVING TIME

The weekly driving time may not exceed 56 hours.
This is calculated by driving 10 hours a day for 2 days, and 9 hours a day for 4 days.
(10x2) + (9x4) = 56 hours.
In addition to this, a driver cannot exceed 90 hours driving in a fortnight.
This means that if a driver drives for 56 hours on the first week, he can only drive 34 hours the next week. (this often results in a 4 day working week during week 2)


DAILY REST PERIOD

The daily rest period shall be at least 11 hours and must not be interrupted.
However this can be reduced to 9 hours three times a week.
It is no longer necessary to "pay back" reduced hours.


WEEKLY REST PERIOD

The weekly rest period shall be at least 45 hours.


WEBLINKS


Drivers Working Hours in Vehicle Routing and Scheduling