HGV (Heavy Goods Vehicle) driving hours play a critical role in ensuring the safety and well-being of both drivers and other road users. Large vehicles like trucks and lorries can quickly become dangerous due to fatigue, making it essential to understand and follow the rules that govern how long drivers can operate these vehicles.
In this blog, we will explore the rules surrounding HGV driving hours, the legal requirements for breaks, and how drivers and employers can stay compliant. We will cover everything you need to know, from the HGV 15-hour rule to the limits on driving hours.
What Are HGV Driver Hours?
HGV driving hours refer to the legal limits that determine how long a driver can operate a heavy goods vehicle each day, week, and fortnight. These rules prevent accidents caused by driver fatigue, ensuring that drivers remain well-rested and alert. The regulations apply to any vehicle over 3.5 tonnes used for transporting goods, either domestically or in international trade.
These rules govern both driving time and the mandatory rest periods that drivers must take. For instance, in the UK, an HGV driver typically can drive for up to 9 hours a day, but this limit can extend to 10 hours twice a week.
Understanding the Difference Between Driving Time and Working Time
At first glance, “driving time” and “working time” may seem interchangeable, but they have distinct meanings in the context of transport operations.
Driving Time refers specifically to the hours spent behind the wheel. It’s the time a driver is actively engaged in operating a vehicle, regardless of whether they are in motion or temporarily stationary.
Working Time, on the other hand, encompasses all duties a driver performs that are related to the transport operation. This includes, but is not limited to:
- Driving the vehicle
- Loading and unloading goods
- Monitoring loading/unloading processes
- Engaging in Driver CPC training or other industry-specific training
- Cleaning and maintaining the vehicle
- Completing daily defect checks and reporting issues
- Handling administrative tasks
- Waiting periods when the duration is unpredictable in advance
In essence, while driving time is considered a form of working time, working time extends beyond just driving. The distinction lies in the various tasks and duties drivers perform, both during and outside of their time behind the wheel.
For drivers, especially those working with HGVs, this distinction is crucial for compliance with regulations. Working time includes any activity that a driver engages in during their shift and there are working time directives (WTD) for it, while driving time is strictly the time spent driving. However, these hours aren’t always defined in the same way, and the boundaries between them can be complex.
Key Factors to Consider:
- Time spent loading/unloading or overseeing these activities
- Engaging in training (Driver CPC or other related courses)
- Performing vehicle cleaning and maintenance
- Completing administrative duties
- Time spent waiting (when the duration is unknown in advance)
- Any other duties connected to transport operations
Even if a driver isn’t actively driving, any time spent performing these duties still counts toward their overall working time. Furthermore, drivers must adhere to regulations around breaks. Breaks need to be spread throughout a working shift and cannot just be taken at the beginning or end of a shift. Additionally, breaks may count as both driving and working breaks if they meet the requirements for both sets of regulations.
HGV Driver Hours and Breaks
In addition to knowing the maximum driving hours, it’s crucial to understand the break requirements that accompany these hours. An HGV driver’s shift must include adequate rest to prevent tiredness and comply with the law.
- Daily rest periods: Drivers must take at least 11 hours of rest per day. However, they can reduce this to 9 hours up to three times a week. If the shift exceeds 13 hours, a reduced daily rest period must be used.
- Breaks during driving: After 4.5 hours of driving, drivers must take a break of at least 45 minutes. They can take this as a single break or split it into two parts (the first part being 15 minutes and the second part at least 30 minutes).
How Long Can Lorry Drivers Work For?
Lorry drivers can work for a maximum number of hours each day, depending on their driving hours and required breaks. In general, drivers can drive for up to 9 hours a day, with an extension to 10 hours allowed on two occasions per week.
For example, if a driver drives for 9 hours, they must take a 45-minute break after 4.5 hours of driving. This ensures the driver remains alert and reduces the risk of accidents due to fatigue. Moreover, drivers cannot work more than 56 hours in any given week, and the maximum allowed over a two-week period is 90 hours.
What Are the Maximum Driving Hours for HGV Drivers?
The legal maximum driving hours for HGV drivers in the UK are as follows:
- Daily driving: 9 hours per day, with an extension to 10 hours twice a week.
- Weekly driving: A maximum of 56 hours per week.
- Fortnightly driving: A maximum of 90 hours over two consecutive weeks.
These limits ensure that drivers do not become overworked, reducing the likelihood of fatigue-related accidents.
What Is the HGV 15-Hour Rule?
The HGV 15-hour rule allows a driver to work a 15-hour shift, but only under specific circumstances. This occurs when the driver reduces their daily rest period from 11 hours to 9 hours. This reduced rest period can’t exceed three times a week, and the total working time for the day cannot exceed 15 hours. Employers and drivers must understand these rules to avoid violations that could result in fines or penalties.
How Many Hours Can an HGV Driver Work a Week?
An HGV driver can work up to 56 hours a week. Exceeding this limit risks fatigue, compromising both their safety and the safety of others on the road. The weekly limit prevents overworking, ensuring drivers remain well-rested and alert during their shifts.
How Many 15-Hour Days Can an HGV Driver Do?
A driver can work a 15-hour day but only in situations where they reduce their daily rest period from 11 hours to 9 hours. This can happen up to three times a week. After three such days, the driver must return to the standard 11-hour rest periods to maintain compliance with the law. This ensures that drivers do not exceed their fatigue limits and can continue driving safely.
How Long Can an HGV Driver Drive for?
An HGV driver can drive for a maximum of 9 hours a day, with exceptions. For instance, the driving time can extend to 10 hours twice a week. If drivers work in a shift system with multiple drivers, the rules are slightly different, allowing for longer shifts while still staying within regulated working hours.
What Is the HGV 6-Hour Rule?
The HGV 6-hour rule requires drivers to take a break after working for 6 hours, whether they are driving, loading, or performing other duties. This ensures that drivers remain well-rested and focused during their shifts.
Can I Work 60 Hours a Week as an HGV Driver?
Yes, but with limits. While HGV drivers can work up to 60 hours a week, they must average this out over a reference period of 17-26 weeks. If the total weekly hours exceed 60, the employer must ensure that the driver gets sufficient rest to comply with the Working Time Directive (WTD).
Understanding HGV Split Breaks
An HGV split break allows drivers to take their required 45-minute rest in two parts during a 4.5-hour driving period. The first break must last at least 15 minutes, and the second must last at least 30 minutes. These breaks help drivers rest during long journeys while still meeting the legal rest requirement.
It’s important to note that split breaks must total 45 minutes. If the breaks do not meet this requirement, the driver and employer could face legal consequences.
HGV driving hours calculator
You can use online HGV driving hours calculators to determine if you’re compliant with the regulations. A popular tool like Fleetcheck allows you to input your hours and check if you’re within the legal limits for driving and rest periods. Simply search “HGV driving hours calculator” online, and you’ll find a variety of tools to help with calculations.
HGV driver breaks rules
If you’re looking for information on HGV driver break rules, you can refer to website of UK Government. The summary of the HGV driver breaks rules is as follows:
- Breaks from Driving (Goods Vehicles):
- For daily driving limits, drivers must not exceed 10 hours of driving in a day.
- Breaks are required after certain driving durations:
- If working less than 8 hours 30 minutes, a break of at least 30 minutes is needed after 5 hours 30 minutes of continuous driving.
- If working 8 hours 30 minutes or more, a total break time of at least 45 minutes is required, with an additional 30-minute break after 8 hours 30 minutes of work.
- Rest Periods (Goods Vehicles):
- 10-hour rest is needed before the first and after the last duty of a working week.
- Rest periods of at least 10 hours between working days (can be reduced to 8.5 hours up to 3 times a week).
- Every 2 weeks, a rest period of at least 24 hours is required.
- Exemptions:
- Emergency driving or private driving exemptions apply, as well as reduced rules for drivers working fewer hours (e.g., less than 4 hours/day).
These rules ensure that drivers take sufficient breaks and rest to maintain safety and avoid fatigue.
The Role of Tachographs in Monitoring HGV Driving Hours
Tachographs are essential for recording driving hours and breaks. These devices help drivers and employers track hours worked and ensure compliance with legal limits. Tachographs are mandatory for all vehicles over 3.5 tonnes and record information such as driving time, speed, and distance.
Conclusion
HGV driving hours are strictly regulated to maintain safety for both drivers and other road users. By adhering to the rules governing driving hours, breaks, and rest periods, drivers can remain compliant and avoid risks associated with fatigue. Whether you are a driver or an employer, understanding and managing HGV driving hours is crucial to ensuring safety and avoiding penalties.
By following these guidelines and using tools like tachographs and HGV driving hours calculators, drivers and employers can optimize schedules while staying within legal boundaries, ensuring safe and efficient operations.