When you first start to learn about the regulations surrounding driver hours it can seem quite complicated and confusing. However, if you break the rules down into sections it is much easier to understand.
Each day you are only allowed to drive for a maximum of nine hours.
A day is classed as a 24 hour period.
Twice per week this can be extended to ten hours.
When you have driven for 4 and a ½ hours you must take a 45 minute break.
If you prefer, you can split this break into a 30 minute break and a 15 minute break. You must take the 15 minute break first after driving for approximately 2 hours and the 30 minute break after a further 2 hours.
If you extend your driving hours to ten hours in one day when permitted, then you must take two 45 minute breaks and ensure that you dont drive for more than 4 and a ½ hours at one time.
During your break time you should actually be able to rest away from your vehicle and shouldnt engage in any other work related tasks such as vehicle checks or maintenance.
Every week you can drive for a maximum of 56 hours, however your total driving time in a two week period cannot exceed 90 hours.
A week is classed as being from 0.00 on Monday to 24.00 on the following Sunday.
If you choose to work 45 hours every week then you dont need to worry too much about the two week rule. As long as you ensure that you never drive more than 45 hours in one week.
If your driving hours change on a weekly basis this means that you need to split your driving routine into three week sections:
Week 1 - 34 hours
Week 2 - 56 hours
Week 3 - 34 hours
This means that you wont exceed the 90 hour per fortnight limit, always remember to calculate last weeks hours as well as next weeks.
If your tachographs are found to have anomalies during either a spot check or a routine yearly inspection you can be fined up to £2500, so make sure that youâre always one step ahead!
