Driving and rest times: Regulation 561/2006 made clear

Regulation (EC) 561/2006 sets driving times, breaks and rest periods for EU road transport in vehicles over 3.5 tonnes. The tachograph records everything, and overruns are among the most common infringements in the industry. These are the essential rules.

The break: 45 minutes every 4.5 hours

After 4.5 hours of accumulated driving, a break of at least 45 minutes is required. It can be split in two: a first part of 15 minutes and a second of 30, in that order. A 30 + 15 split does not comply.

Daily driving: 9 hours (10 twice a week)

Daily driving time may not exceed 9 hours. Twice a week it may be extended to 10. The driving day runs between two daily rests (or between a daily and a weekly rest).

Weekly and fortnightly limits: 56 and 90 hours

Driving may not exceed 56 hours in one week, nor 90 hours in any two consecutive weeks. That means after a 56-hour week, the next one cannot exceed 34.

Daily rest: 11 hours (or 9 reduced)

Within each 24-hour period after the end of the previous rest, a daily rest of 11 consecutive hours is required. It may be reduced to 9 hours at most three times between two weekly rests, or split into two blocks of 3 + 9 hours (in that order).

Weekly rest: 45 hours (or 24 with compensation)

Each week requires a rest of 45 consecutive hours, which may be reduced to 24 once every two weeks. The reduction must be compensated in one block before the end of the third following week. The regular weekly rest may not be taken in the cab.

Where fines come from

• Splitting the break the wrong way round (30 + 15): non-compliant even though it adds up to 45 minutes.
• Chaining two heavy weeks: 56 + 40 hours already breaches the 90-hour fortnight limit.
• Forgetting to compensate a reduced weekly rest within the three-week window.

To plan a shift or check whether a route plan complies, you can use the driving and rest hours calculator on this site.