HGV drivers and O-licence carriers are unlikely to claim a lack of awareness of digital tachograph requirements as a reason for non-compliance. That’s not to say that tachograph regulations are simple. The complete rulebook of the EU tachograph laws can be read here, and it is undoubtedly tough to comprehend at first look. Additionally, drivers must follow the 2005 Road Transport (Working Time) Regulations, which only adds to the confusion.
In order to help truck drivers and fleet managers better understand these tachograph requirements, we have compiled a quick introduction to the most significant components of these tachograph regulations. Let’s get started:
Driving Hours Per Day
Only twice a week may the daily maximum driving time be exceeded to 10 hours. If you drive more than 56 hours a week or more than 90 hours in a given two-week period, you’re breaking the rules.
Breaks
Every 4.5 hours of driving, the driver should take approximately 45 minutes of breaks. Breaks of 15 minutes followed by a 30-minute break may be combined to create a 45-minute break.
Daily Rest Period
- Each day, a driver must get at least 11 uninterrupted hours of rest. It is possible to get part or all of this rest in the cab if it has a suitable bunk.
- Instead of a single nine-hour rest break, it may be divided into three periods of at least three hours each.
- This daily rest may be reduced to nine hours three times a week up to three times.
- For drivers to have a full day’s rest, they must finish a work period within 24 hours after the preceding one.
- An 11-hour daily rest time may be taken on a rail or boat trip; however, it may be interrupted no more than twice by activities that do not exceed one hour in length. A couchette or bunk is required for the duration of the trip for the driver.
- As long as a driver is double-manning, they are required to take a fresh daily rest period of not less than nine hours within 30 hours after their previous rest period. For the first hour of driving, the backup driver’s presence is optional; after that, it is mandatory.
Minimum Weekly Resting Periods
A driver needs at least 45 hours of rest each week (normal weekly rest) or 24 hours of uninterrupted time off each week (reduced weekly rest). This must commence no later than the conclusion of six consecutive 24-hour days from the end of the driver’s previous weekly respite. A driver must take at least one 45-hour break and one 24-hour break every two weeks. It is possible to count a rest time that spans two 1-week intervals, but not both.
This rest block must begin with a minimum of nine hours of sleep each night and must be completed by the end of the third week to make up for any losses in weekly rest.
Road Transport Regulations – Additional Requirements
The maximum weekly working time may not exceed 60 hours, and the weekly average must not exceed 48 hours. Unless there is a collective bargaining agreement in existence, no more than 10 hours of each and every 24 may be devoted to night employment. There must be a minimum of 15-minute breaks every six hours or 45-minute breaks every nine hours, depending on the length of the shift. Two weeks after the allotted time has ended, records should be preserved.
Tachographs Compulsion Rules
Tachographs must be used by drivers who are subject to EU or AETR restrictions, according to the laws on drivers’ hours and tachographs. Tachographs are divided into analogue and digital varieties. Commercial vehicles acquired on or after May 1, 2006, must have a digital tachograph installed according to Gov.UK. An analogue tachograph is also an option. Analogue tachographs and digital tachographs use a mode switch or mode button to record the driver’s activity.
Infractions of the Tachograph
To varying degrees, companies and drivers may be held accountable for tachograph infractions. Drivers’ hours and tachograph laws may result in severe penalties and driving prohibitions if they are broken. Based on the intensity of the offence, penalties might go up to £5,000 at level 5.
The Bottom Line
A digital tachograph is the need of the hour. To avoid penalties, get digital tachographs for your firm today from reliable distributors like Webfleet.