UK Domestic vs. EU Drivers' Hours Rules:

What's the Difference?

Zed Aziz

If you're a professional driver in the UK, understanding the difference between UK domestic and EU drivers' hours rules is crucial. This blog post breaks down the key distinctions to help you stay compliant.

Even though the UK has left the EU, you may still need to follow EU rules on drivers’ hours and tachographs.

Exemptions from EU law

Which Rules Apply to You?

The rules you need to follow depend on the type of vehicle you drive and where you're driving it. Here's a quick overview:

• EU Rules: Generally apply to goods vehicles engaged in international transport operations.

• UK Domestic Rules: Apply to most passenger-carrying vehicles and goods vehicles operating within Great Britain (England, Scotland, and Wales) that are not subject to EU rules.

• Northern Ireland: Has its own separate set of rules.

Key Differences: Goods Vehicles

Let's dive into the specifics for goods vehicles:

1. Duty Time:

• EU Rules: More complex and include specific definitions for different types of activities (driving, other work, availability, rest).

• UK Domestic Rules: Simpler definition. For employed drivers, it's any working time. For self-employed drivers, it's time spent driving or doing work related to the vehicle or its load.

2. Daily Driving Limit:

• EU Rules: Maximum of 9 hours, with the possibility to extend to 10 hours twice a week.

• UK Domestic Rules: Maximum of 10 hours.

3. Daily Duty Limit:

• EU Rules: A combination of driving, other work, and availability, with specific limits and break requirements.

• UK Domestic Rules: Maximum of 11 hours, but doesn't apply if you don't drive that day. Exemptions exist for certain professions and activities (e.g., doctors, vehicle maintenance).

4. Breaks and Rest:

• EU Rules: Stricter rules for breaks and weekly rest periods, including reduced weekly rest options and compensatory rest requirements.

• UK Domestic Rules: Simpler rules for daily and weekly rest periods.

5. Tachograph Requirements:

• EU Rules: Digital tachographs are generally required for most goods vehicles.

• UK Domestic Rules: Tachographs are required for certain vehicles, but weekly record sheets can be used in some cases.

Key Differences: Buses and Coaches

For bus and coach drivers, here are some key differences:

1. Spread over (Length of Working Day):

• EU Rules: No specific limit on spread over, but it's influenced by driving time, breaks, and rest requirements.

• UK Domestic Rules: Maximum of 16 hours.

2. Breaks:

• EU Rules: 45-minute break after 4.5 hours of driving, which can be split into two breaks.

• UK Domestic Rules: Break requirements depend on the total working time, with different rules for shifts under 8.5 hours and over 8.5 hours.

3. Weekly Rest:

• EU Rules: More complex rules, including reduced weekly rest options and compensatory rest requirements.

• UK Domestic Rules: Simpler rules for weekly rest, with a minimum of 10 hours between working days and a 24-hour rest period every two weeks.

Exemptions and Special Cases

Both EU and UK domestic rules have exemptions for certain situations, such as emergencies, private driving, and driving off-road. It's important to familiarise yourself with these exemptions to ensure compliance.

Staying Informed

Drivers' hours rules can be complex and are subject to change. It's crucial to stay updated on the latest regulations by referring to official government sources and seeking guidance from your employer or relevant authorities.