GB Domestic Drivers’ Hours Regulations
The GB Domestic Drivers’ Hours regulations are applicable to most vehicles that transport passengers or goods and are not subject to EU rules. These regulations also extend to certain types of vans. They are enforced in England, Wales, and Scotland, while Northern Ireland adheres to its own set of rules.
Duty Time Explained
For company-employed drivers, duty time encompasses all working hours. Self-employed drivers, however, count only the time spent driving or performing tasks related to the vehicle or its cargo as duty time.
Daily Driving Restrictions
Drivers are prohibited from operating a vehicle for more than 10 hours per day, whether on public roads or off-road outside of duty time. Off-road driving is considered part of duty time when it involves activities such as agriculture, quarrying, forestry, construction, or civil engineering.
Limits on Daily Duty Hours
A maximum of 11 hours of duty is allowed per working day, although this restriction is lifted on days when no driving occurs. It’s mandatory to log these hours weekly, either on a record sheet or a tachograph.
Exemptions from Duty Limits
Certain vehicles are exempt from the daily duty limit, including those weighing less than 3.5 tonnes used by healthcare professionals, for inspection, maintenance, or cleaning tasks, by commercial travellers soliciting orders, by roadside assistance organisations, or for media production purposes.
Complete Exemptions from GB Domestic Rules
There are scenarios where GB domestic rules do not apply, such as during emergencies that disrupt public services or pose a threat to life, for private driving not related to work, for off-road or private road driving during duty time, or when operating a vehicle for specific exempted purposes.
Kielin Transport Management Consulting will assist your company implement Domestic Hours systems.