Important information on driving and rest times

 

According to EU Regulation 561/2006:

Driving time: Daily driving time is maximum 9 hours, which may be extended to 10 hours twice a week. Weekly driving time must not exceed 56 hours, and driving time over any two consecutive weeks must not exceed 90 hours. The maximum uninterrupted driving period is 4.5 hours; after that a break must be taken.

Breaks: The break must be at least 45 minutes. The driving break may be split into two parts, the shorter of which must be at least 15 minutes. However, after a continuous 4.5 hours of driving the 45‑minute break is mandatory. No work may be carried out during the driving break.

Daily rest: For a single driver the daily rest period is at least 11 hours. This may be reduced to 9 hours up to three times per week (in addition to compensatory rest).

Weekly rest: If taken at the driver’s home or base, the weekly rest must be an uninterrupted 45 hours. If the weekly rest is not taken at home or base, the minimum weekly rest may be 24 hours. Any reduced daily rest taken during the week (maximum 3 × 2 = 6 hours) must be compensated by taking the equivalent amount of time as part of the following weekly rest.

Working time: Total daily working time may be up to 13 hours; this may be extended to 15 hours up to three times a week (as a consequence of reducing the 11‑hour daily rest to 9 hours up to three times).

Two‑driver operations: For services with two drivers, within any 30‑hour period the minimum rest is 9 hours, so total working time may be up to 21 hours. Rest for drivers may only be taken in a stationary vehicle if a dedicated sleeping/rest berth is available. No one may sleep in beds of a moving vehicle for safety reasons. If the schedule does not allow compliance with the above rules, two drivers are required. Two drivers may be on the move continuously for up to 21 hours, after which they must take an uninterrupted 9‑hour rest at accommodation. In such cases progress is continuous, drivers alternate driving, and short technical breaks are scheduled according to the group’s needs.

 

Transport conditions:

  • Orders must be placed in writing (letter or e‑mail). We consider the order accepted upon our confirmation and undertake to provide the service.
  • Minimum charge for hourly billing: 3+1 hours.
  • For one‑day or multi‑day trips a minimum of 250 km per day will be invoiced even if not used.
  • Cancellation: domestic trips may be cancelled free of charge up to 48 hours before the departure date; international trips up to 5 days before departure. Cancellations after these deadlines incur a 50% cancellation fee of the transport price, plus any costs already incurred by the carrier (e.g. motorway vignette, ferry ticket, etc.).

Please contact us for a personalised offer or if your itinerary requires special arrangements.