In short: Under EU Regulation 561/2006, a truck driver may drive at most 9 hours a day (10 hours twice a week), 56 hours a week and 90 hours in any two consecutive weeks. A 45-minute break is due after 4.5 hours of driving at the latest, regular daily rest is 11 hours and regular weekly rest 45 hours.
Who the rules apply to
Regulation (EC) No 561/2006, as amended by Regulation (EU) 2020/1054 (Mobility Package I, applicable since 20 August 2020), covers the carriage of goods by vehicles whose maximum permissible mass, including any trailer, exceeds 3.5 t. Since 1 July 2026 it also covers vehicles over 2.5 t used in international transport or cabotage (Article 2(1)(aa)). For vans, see Tachographs for vans.
For dispatchers this means: the 7.5 t and 40 t classes are always subject to driving and rest times, and so is the van used in international hire-or-reward work since July 2026.
Driving time limits at a glance
| Period | Limit | Legal basis |
|---|---|---|
| Daily driving time | 9 h, extendable to 10 h no more than twice a week | Art. 6(1) |
| Weekly driving time | max. 56 h | Art. 6(2) |
| Two consecutive weeks | max. 90 h | Art. 6(3) |
| Driving without a break | max. 4.5 h | Art. 7 |
According to the German enforcement authority BALM, driving time also includes short stops caused by traffic, such as traffic lights, border crossings or congestion.
Breaks
After no more than 4.5 hours of driving, the driver must take a break of at least 45 minutes. It may be split into at least 15 minutes followed by at least 30 minutes, in that order. No driving or other work is allowed during a break. In multi-manning, a driver may take the break in the vehicle while the other driver is driving.
Daily and weekly rest
| Rest period | Length | Conditions |
|---|---|---|
| Regular daily rest | min. 11 h | within 24 h of the end of the previous rest |
| Split daily rest | 3 h + 9 h (= 12 h) | first part min. 3 h, second min. 9 h |
| Reduced daily rest | min. 9 h, under 11 h | max. three times between two weekly rests |
| Multi-manning | min. 9 h | within 30 h |
| Regular weekly rest | min. 45 h | not in the vehicle |
| Reduced weekly rest | min. 24 h | compensate by end of the third following week |
Weekly rest must start no later than the end of six 24-hour periods (144 hours) after the previous one. In any two consecutive weeks, the driver needs either two regular weekly rests or one regular and one reduced weekly rest. Daily rest and reduced weekly rest may be taken in a stationary vehicle with sleeping facilities; regular weekly rest may not. More in Weekly rest and the return-home rule.
Exceptions: ferry, train and the last hour home
- Ferry or train (Art. 9): regular daily rest or reduced weekly rest may be interrupted no more than twice, for no more than 1 hour in total, if the driver has access to a sleeper cabin, bunk or couchette. Regular weekly rest on board is only allowed on a crossing scheduled for at least 8 hours with access to a sleeper cabin.
- Heading home (Art. 12): in exceptional circumstances, to reach the operational centre or the place of residence for weekly rest, daily and weekly driving time may be exceeded by up to 1 hour, or by up to 2 hours after a 30-minute break. The extension must be compensated by an equivalent rest period by the end of the third following week.
Worked example: planning a week for a 40 t truck
Assumption: one driver, Monday to Friday, average speed 65 km/h (a planning figure, not an official value).
| Day | Driving | Breaks | Distance (at 65 km/h) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monday | 10 h | 2 × 45 min | 650 km |
| Tuesday | 9 h | 1 × 45 min | 585 km |
| Wednesday | 10 h | 2 × 45 min | 650 km |
| Thursday | 9 h | 1 × 45 min | 585 km |
| Friday | 9 h | 1 × 45 min | 585 km |
| Total | 47 h | 3,055 km |
The 56-hour limit is respected, but the 90-hour rule leaves only 43 hours of driving for the following week (90 − 47). A 10-hour day needs two breaks, because the second break is due after 4.5 + 4.5 hours, before the tenth hour can be driven. With 10 hours of driving, 1.5 hours of breaks and 11 hours of rest, only 1.5 hours of the 24-hour window are left for loading, unloading and other work.
To turn driving hours into daily rates and cost per kilometre, see Truck cost per km. Logist Calculator works out tolls and fuel for the route itself for vans, 7.5 t and 40 t: tolls from HERE routing and toll data (rates reviewed annually), diesel from the EU Weekly Oil Bulletin. Calculate your route
Enforcement and fines (Germany example)
According to BALM, minor offences in Germany carry a warning fine of 5 to 35 euros. For serious offences, drivers face fines of up to 5,000 euros and companies up to 15,000 euros, plus administrative fees. Other Member States set their own penalties. This overview is not legal advice; the regulation text prevails.
FAQ
How many hours can a truck driver drive per day in the EU?
Nine hours as a rule, and 10 hours on no more than two days per week. A 45-minute break is mandatory after 4.5 hours.
How many hours can a truck driver drive per week?
At most 56 hours in one week and 90 hours across two consecutive weeks. A driver who drives 56 hours has only 34 hours left the following week.
Can the 45-minute break be split?
Yes, into 15 minutes followed by 30 minutes. The regulation requires that order: the shorter part first, then the longer one.
How often can daily rest be reduced?
No more than three times between two weekly rest periods, and never below 9 hours.
Sources
- EUR-Lex – Regulation (EC) No 561/2006, consolidated version of 20.08.2020 (PDF)
- European Commission – Driving time and rest periods
- European Commission – Mobility Package I: Driving & rest times
- European Labour Authority – Driving and Resting Time Rules (PDF)
- BALM – FAQ on drivers' social legislation (German)
Last updated: October 2026. Fine amounts and interpretations can change – check the official source before quoting them.