Update yourself about the Working Time Directive regulations

Please bear in mind that the regulations are pertinent to LGV drivers and (on this site at least) not for PSV drivers.

There is a lot of confusion out there about breaks in driving (after 4.5 hours DRIVING) and the WTD, which says that after 6 hours WORK you MUST have a break of at least 30 minutes if working between 6 and 9 hours and 45 minutes if working for more than 9 hours.

So – DRIVING regulations take priority. If you drive for a combined total of 4.5 hours you MUST take a 45 minute break, even if you have NOT been working for 6 hours. But if you have been doing other work for 3 hours and driving for 3 hours then you must take a 30 minute break. Simple!

A summary of the WTD regulation is as follows:

You may not be required to work more than 48 hours per week ON AVERAGE, defined over a 17-week rolling period.

NEVER more than 60 hours in any one week.

You MUST have at least 11 hours rest in every 24 hour period, (which commences when you start work) which can be reduced to 9 hours, but no more than 3 x weekly.

No more than 10 hours work if working nights (where ANY part of the shift falls between 00.00 and 05.00)

As an employer,you are expected to maintain records to show compliance with the WTD

Feel free to call the number at the top of the page with any queries.