Driving and rest time rules for professional goods transport

Daily rest period rules

• Normal: period of 11 consecutive hours of rest
• May be split into 2 periods:
  • 1st minimum 3 consecutive hours
  • 2nd minimum 9 consecutive hours
• Reduced daily rest: minimum 9 hours, and less than 11 hours (max. three times between two weekly rest periods)
• Multiple crew: minimum 9 hours (30-hour period), 1st hour optional (when a 2nd driver is added within 1 hour, the 30-hour period applies to both from the start of each person’s work)

Weekly rest period rules

• Normal: period of 45 consecutive hours of rest
• Reduced weekly rest: at least 24 hours of consecutive rest (with compensation for the end of the third week en bloc)
• In every two-week period 2 x a normal weekly rest period, or 1 normal and 1 shortened weekly rest period
• A new weekly rest period must commence after each period of 6 x 24 hours

Daily driving time rules

• Total driving time between 2 rest periods (daily or weekly)
• Normal: maximum 9 hours
• Maximum 2 x per week: 10 hours

Uninterrupted driving time rules

• After 4.5 hours of driving, the driver takes a break of 45 consecutive minutes
• May be replaced by a break of 15 minutes, followed by one of 30 minutes (total minimum 45 minutes)

Regulations for weekly driving time

• May not exceed 56 hours

Regulations for two weekly driving time

• May not exceed 90 hours

If these rules are not adhered to, there is a chance of a fine. In this blog we explain whether fines regarding driving times and rest times can be recovered from employees.

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