Understanding Tachograph Rules and HGV Driver Hours

Driving hours regulations exist to prevent fatigue-related accidents. Every professional HGV driver must understand these rules — getting them wrong can result in fines, licence points, and even criminal prosecution in serious cases.

Daily Driving Limits

Under UK and retained EU rules, the maximum daily driving time is 9 hours. This can be extended to 10 hours twice per week. Daily driving is measured from the end of one daily rest period to the start of the next.

Break Requirements

After 4 hours 30 minutes of accumulated driving, you must take a break of at least 45 minutes. This can be split into two breaks: a first break of at least 15 minutes followed by a second of at least 30 minutes. Other work (loading, paperwork) does not count as a break — you must be resting.

Daily Rest Periods

Within each 24-hour period, you must take at least 11 hours of continuous rest. This can be reduced to 9 hours up to three times between weekly rest periods. Alternatively, daily rest can be split into 3 hours plus 9 hours (totalling 12 hours).

Weekly Driving and Rest

• Maximum weekly driving: 56 hours
• Maximum fortnightly driving: 90 hours across any two consecutive weeks
• Regular weekly rest: 45 consecutive hours, starting no later than six 24-hour periods after the previous weekly rest
• Reduced weekly rest: Can be reduced to 24 hours, but the reduction must be compensated in full before the end of the third following week

Digital vs Analogue Tachographs

Most modern HGVs use digital tachographs with a smart card system. Your driver card records all driving, other work, availability, and rest. Analogue tachographs use wax-coated paper charts that you must fill in manually.

Key rules for digital tachographs:

• Insert your driver card before moving the vehicle
• Select the correct mode (driving, other work, availability, rest)
• Manual entries must be made for any periods your card was not inserted
• Download your card data at least every 28 days
• The vehicle unit must be downloaded every 90 days (operator responsibility)

Record Keeping

You must carry and be able to produce records for the current day plus the previous 28 days. For digital cards, this means your driver card. For analogue charts, the physical paper discs. DVSA enforcement officers can and do request these at the roadside.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

• Drivers can receive fixed penalties of £300 per offence
• Serious or repeated offences can lead to court summons and unlimited fines
• Operators can face regulatory action from the Traffic Commissioner
• Persistent offences can result in loss of your driving licence or operator licence

Practical Tips

• Plan your routes and breaks before setting off
• Use a drivers hours app to track your remaining time
• Never falsify tachograph records — the digital systems are designed to detect tampering
• If in doubt, take more rest rather than less
• Communicate with your transport office if you risk running out of hours