HGV driver hours - what are the rules?
Let’s break down the key rules governing HGV driving hours, including how long a lorry driver can work, when breaks are required, and the consequences of breaching these regulations.
HGV driver hours: what are the rules?
The transportation of goods up and down the country every day is what keeps the UK ticking. Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) drivers, also commonly referred to as lorry drivers, play a crucial role in this. However, they must adhere to strict regulations to ensure safety on the roads, including limits on driving hours and mandatory rest periods.
Let’s break down the key rules governing HGV driving hours, including how long a lorry driver can work, when breaks are required, and the consequences of breaching these regulations.
How many hours can a HGV driver drive in one day?
A standard day of driving for an HGV driver (also known as a lorry driver) is limited to 9 hours. However, drivers are allowed to extend this up to 10 hours twice a week, as long as they still take the required breaks during driving.
For example:
- A driver may drive for 4.5 hours, take a 45-minute break, then drive for another 4.5 hours.
- On days where the driving limit is extended to 10 hours, this could include driving for another hour after the second 45-minute break.
HGV drivers must ensure they are not exceeding these limits to stay compliant with EU driving regulations.
How many hours can a HGV driver drive in one week?
The weekly driving limit for HGV drivers is set at 56 hours, but they must also comply with a rolling two-week limit of 90 hours. This means that if a driver reaches the 56-hour maximum in one week, the next week’s driving hours must not exceed 34 hours.
This two-week pattern ensures drivers are not overworked, helping prevent fatigue and keeping the roads safe.
What breaks does a HGV driver need to take?
Driving breaks
A driving break is mandatory after every 4.5 hours of driving. Drivers must take at least a 45-minute break during this time. This can be split into two breaks:
- A first break of 15 minutes.
- A second break of at least 30 minutes.
For example, if a lorry driver drives for 4.5 hours, they must take a break of 45 minutes before continuing. However, they can split the break into two as long as the second period is no less than 30 minutes.
Working breaks
If the driver is engaged in other non-driving work, such as loading or unloading the vehicle, they must still adhere to working time regulations. The key rules for working time breaks include:
- A 15-minute break if working for more than 6 hours.
- A 30-minute break if working between 6 and 9 hours.
- A 45-minute break if working for more than 9 hours.
Definition of a break
A break is defined as time used exclusively for rest and recuperation. During this period, the driver must not engage in any work, including loading, unloading, or driving. Breaks can be taken in the vehicle, provided it is stationary and the driver is not engaged in any other tasks.
How to know when to take a break
HGV drivers should follow EU driving hours rules and ensure they take a 45-minute break after 4.5 hours of driving. Additionally, when performing other work, breaks should be taken after no more than 6 hours of working time. The break requirements may differ depending on whether the driver is driving or performing other tasks.
How many hours can a HGV driver work in one day?
While there is no formal limit on the total number of working hours in a day, the daily rest period requirement of 9 hours effectively limits the maximum working day to 15 hours, up to three times a week. When taking a full daily rest of 11 hours, the maximum working day is reduced to 13 hours.
What is a period of availability?
A period of availability refers to the time a driver is on call but not actively working. This is not considered part of the working day but must be known to the driver in advance. It can include waiting periods at loading bays or other times when the driver is not required to perform tasks but is available to resume work.
How many hours can a HGV driver work in one week?
HGV drivers must not exceed 60 hours of total working time in a single week. This includes both driving and other work. Additionally, drivers must not exceed an average of 48 hours per week, calculated over a reference period of 17 weeks. This reference period can be extended to 26 weeks if a collective agreement is in place.
Resting hours for HGV drivers
In addition to taking regular breaks, HGV drivers must also adhere to daily and weekly rest requirements.
Daily rest periods
A regular daily rest period for a lorry driver is 11 continuous hours within a 24-hour period. Alternatively, this rest period can be split into two, with the first period being at least 3 hours and the second being at least 9 hours, totalling 12 hours. Reduced daily rest periods of at least 9 hours (but no more than 11 hours) can be taken up to three times a week.
Weekly rest periods
A regular weekly rest period must be at least 45 hours. However, this can be reduced to 24 hours every other week, as long as the reduction is compensated by an equivalent rest period before the end of the third week. HGV drivers are required to take at least one full weekly rest period within any two-week timeframe.
What if you break the rules?
If an HGV or lorry driver breaks the rules on driving hours, they could face significant penalties. Since March 2018, authorities can issue fines based on the past 28 days of driving history, with fines of up to £1,500 for multiple infringements. In extreme cases, drivers could face court action, and their vehicle may even be immobilised.
Employers also have a responsibility to track their drivers' hours and ensure compliance. If an employer fails to monitor driver behaviour, they may receive an improvement or prohibition notice from the DVSA.
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HGV drivers, or lorry drivers, are subject to strict regulations to ensure they remain alert and safe on the road. Understanding these driving hours, break requirements, and rest periods is crucial for staying compliant with EU regulations. Breaching these rules can result in significant penalties, making it vital for both drivers and employers to stay on top of these requirements.
