Tachograph rules explained: drivers hours and rest periods

What are tachograph rules?

Tachograph rules govern how long drivers of commercial vehicles can drive and work, and how much rest they must take. These rules exist to prevent fatigue-related accidents – tired drivers are dangerous drivers. In the UK, tachograph rules apply to most vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and passenger vehicles carrying more than nine people.

The rules come from retained EU regulations (Regulation 561/2006) and the domestic drivers hours rules. Which applies depends on the type of operation and where you drive. For most commercial haulage and passenger transport, the EU rules apply even for purely domestic journeys.

Understanding tachograph rules matters for drivers, transport managers, and operators. Infringements can result in fixed penalties, driver prohibitions, and OCRS (Operator Compliance Risk Score) points that threaten your licence.

Daily driving limits

Under EU rules, the maximum daily driving time is 9 hours. This can be extended to 10 hours twice per week. Daily driving time means the total accumulated driving between the end of one daily rest period and the beginning of the next.

Key points:

• The 9 hour limit is cumulative – it includes all driving that day, not just continuous periods
• The twice weekly extension to 10 hours is per fixed week (Monday to Sunday), not rolling
• Driving includes any time the vehicle is moving under the driver's control, including in traffic jams

Weekly driving limits

Maximum weekly driving time is 56 hours. But there is also a fortnightly limit: no more than 90 hours in any two consecutive weeks.

This fortnightly limit catches drivers who consistently drive close to the weekly maximum. If you drive 56 hours one week, you can only drive 34 hours the next. Planning schedules requires looking at both weeks together.

Break requirements

After 4.5 hours of driving, you must take a break of at least 45 minutes. You cannot drive again until this break is taken.

The break can be split into two parts:

• First break of at least 15 minutes
• Second break of at least 30 minutes
• Taken in that order
• The second break must be taken before total driving reaches 4.5 hours

Breaks are periods where the driver does no work at all – not driving, not loading, not paperwork. Rest and recuperation only.

Related reading: Vehicle daily walkaround checks: the complete guide

Daily rest periods

Drivers must take a daily rest period within each 24 hour period following the end of the previous rest.

Regular daily rest: At least 11 consecutive hours. This can be split into two periods: 3 hours followed by 9 hours (totalling 12 hours).

Reduced daily rest: At least 9 consecutive hours. Reduced daily rest can be taken up to three times between any two weekly rest periods.

Daily rest can be taken in a vehicle if it has suitable sleeping facilities and is stationary.

Weekly rest periods

Within each week, drivers must take one weekly rest period.

Regular weekly rest: At least 45 consecutive hours.

Reduced weekly rest: At least 24 consecutive hours. Any reduction must be compensated by an equivalent rest taken in one block before the end of the third week following the week in question.

In any two consecutive weeks, a driver must take at least two weekly rest periods, one of which must be a regular (45 hour) rest. This means you cannot take reduced weekly rests two weeks in a row.

Unlike daily rest, weekly rest cannot be taken in the vehicle if it involves a reduction. Reduced weekly rest must be taken away from the vehicle in suitable accommodation – operators must provide this.

Multi-manning rules

When two drivers share the driving on a vehicle (multi-manning), different rules apply:

• Each driver must have at least 9 hours daily rest in every 30 hour period
• The first 45 minutes of a driver's availability (sitting in the cab while the other drives) does not count as a break, but the rest does not count as work either
• Multi-manning allows more flexibility but requires both drivers to be present from the start of the journey

Recording and tachographs

Tachographs record driver activity automatically. Modern vehicles have digital tachographs; older vehicles may still have analogue (chart) tachographs. From 2026, new vehicles require smart tachographs with enhanced features including GPS tracking.

Drivers must:

• Use their own driver card in digital tachographs
• Enter manual entries for periods away from the vehicle (ferry crossings, rest at home)
• Ensure mode selections are correct (driving, other work, availability, rest)
• Carry sufficient charts or printout paper

Operators must:

• Download driver card data at least every 28 days
• Download vehicle unit data at least every 90 days
• Store data for at least one year (two years for some analysis)
• Make data available to enforcement officers on request

See how it works: MyVehicleCheck helps track download schedules and flag overdue downloads.

Common infringements

DVSA enforcement targets specific infringements. The most common include:

Each infringement adds points to your OCRS score. Accumulate too many and the Traffic Commissioner will take action – ranging from warnings to licence revocation.

Exemptions and variations

Some operations are exempt from EU tachograph rules or can use the less restrictive domestic rules instead. Common exemptions include:

• Vehicles not exceeding 7.5 tonnes used for non-commercial carriage of goods
• Vehicles used by agricultural, forestry, or fishery businesses within 100km of base
• Specialist vehicles (breakdown recovery, refuse collection) in certain circumstances
• Historic vehicles

However, exemption from EU rules does not mean no rules apply. Domestic drivers hours rules still govern maximum driving and duty times for exempt operations.

Planning compliant schedules

Effective schedule planning prevents infringements before they happen:

• Build in buffer time – delays are inevitable
• Plan break locations with suitable facilities
• Account for loading and unloading time in working time calculations
• Consider weekly rest requirements when planning multi-day routes
• Track running totals to avoid fortnightly limit problems

Modern transport management systems calculate driving time impacts automatically, warning planners when schedules risk infringements.

FAQs: tachograph rules

Do the rules apply to van drivers?

Only if the van exceeds 3.5 tonnes maximum authorised mass. Most standard vans (under 3.5 tonnes) are exempt from tachograph rules, though other driving regulations still apply.

What counts as other work?

Loading and unloading, vehicle maintenance, paperwork, training, and any other work tasks. Other work is not driving time but is working time – relevant for the Working Time Directive limits.

Can I take my weekly rest at home?

Yes. Regular weekly rest (45 hours) can be taken anywhere the driver chooses, including at home. Reduced weekly rest (24 hours) must be taken in suitable accommodation if taken away from home.

What happens if I run out of driving time mid-journey?

Stop as soon as safely possible and take the required rest. Continuing to drive is an offence regardless of the reason. Operators should plan schedules to prevent this situation.

Staying compliant with tachograph rules

Tachograph rules protect drivers, other road users, and your operator licence. The rules are detailed but not complicated once you understand the core limits: daily driving, weekly totals, breaks, and rest periods.

Operators who track compliance proactively – monitoring driving hours, scheduling downloads, and analysing infringement patterns – avoid the costly consequences of enforcement action.

Ready to simplify drivers hours compliance? Join the Founding Partner waitlist to see how Compliance Cover helps fleet operators track driving time and tachograph downloads.