Driving Hours: The Facts

Up to 46.3% of punishable HGV offences result from “drivers hours.” Arguably, transport managers and traffic problems play a major part in some of these prosecutions, but it is your role to observe your HGV hours to the letter without violating any rules set by the government.

What are the rules that govern your conduct as far as driving limits, rest period and breaks are concerned?

Driving limits

The duration within which driving activity takes place can be aptly described as driving time. All the events that happen during this period can be recorded by in-cab equipment or in a similar fashion, manually to stand in for broken equipment. It also accounts for all off-road journeys wherever public highways are used.
The daily driving limit is capped at 9 hours (10 hours two times a week) You should not drive continuously for more than 4.5 hours
You must not drive for more than 56 hours a week
A fixed driving week starts from Monday at 00:00 to Sunday at 24:00
You are limited to 90 hours two-weekly driving
The limit accommodates for daily and weekly rests

Breaks

Breaks are periods of rest. During this time, you are not required to drive. You will take some time off the road to help your body restore to health.
You must take a break from driving for 45 minutes after driving for four and half hours.
You can opt for two-15 and 30-minute breaks.

Rest periods

Daily rests are recommended for all HGV drivers; typically, within every 24-hour driving period. You need an 11+ uninterrupted regular rest every day.
The daily rest period can be cut down to 9 hours.
This should be done at most three times between two-weekly periods.