Driving and Rest Times: The Complete Rules of Regulation 561/2006 for Drivers

By / / 3.5-ton Tachograph and New EU Regulations

Regulation (EC) No. 561/2006 establishes the basic rules regarding driving times, breaks, and rest periods for road transport drivers. Effective July 1, 2026, these rules will also apply to covered light commercial vehicles (LCVs) engaged in international transport or cabotage. Compliance with these limits is essential to avoid fines, suspension of operations, and to ensure road safety.

In short, the rules regarding driving and rest periods stipulate:

  • The maximum daily driving time is 9 hours, which may be extended to 10 hours no more than twice a week.
  • After 4 hours and 30 minutes of continuous driving, a break of at least 45 minutes (or split into 15 + 30 minutes) is required.
  • The total weekly driving time may not exceed 56 hours.
  • The total driving time over two consecutive weeks may not exceed 90 hours.
  • The regular daily rest period is at least 11 hours, which may be reduced to 9 hours no more than three times between two weekly rest periods.
  • Daily rest may be split (3 hours + 9 consecutive hours, for a total of 12 hours).
  • The regular weekly rest period is at least 45 consecutive hours; the reduced rest period is at least 24 hours, with subsequent compensation.
  • Effective July 1, 2026, the rules also apply to light commercial vehicles (LCVs) engaged in international transport or cabotage.

Complete rules on driving times, breaks, and rest periods (Reg. 561/2006)

Below is the “basic set” of rules typically applied to drivers subject to Regulation (EC) No. 561/2006, which, as of July 1, 2026, will also apply to the relevant light commercial vehicles (LCVs) engaged in international transport or cabotage.

5.1. Daily driving time (maximum)

  • The maximum daily driving time is 9 hours.
  • This time limit may be extended to 10 hours no more than twice a week.

5.2. Breaks during the day

  • After a maximum of 4 hours and 30 minutes of continuous driving, the driver must take a break of at least 45 minutes, provided that this is not immediately followed by a daily or weekly rest period.
  • The 45-minute break may be divided into two separate periods— 15 minutes followed by 30 minutes—in that order, provided that the full break is taken before the 4-hour-and-30-minute driving limit is exceeded.

5.3. Weekly and biweekly driving time

  • The total driving time in a week may not exceed 56 hours.
  • The total driving time over two consecutive weeks may not exceed 90 hours.

5.4. Daily rest

  • The "regular" daily rest period must be at least 11 hours.
  • Daily rest may be reduced to 9 hours, but this reduction is permitted no more than 3 times between two weekly rest periods.
  • Daily rest may be split into two periods: an initial period of at least 3 hours, followed by a second period of at least 9 consecutive hours, for a total of 12 hours of rest.

5.5. Weekly rest

  • The “regular” weekly rest period must be at least 45 consecutive hours.
  • A “reduced” weekly rest period may have a minimum duration of 24 consecutive hours, provided that the difference from the regular rest period is fully compensated.
  • Compensation for a reduced weekly rest period must be provided by adding it to another rest period, in accordance with the rules set forth in Regulation (EC) No. 561/2006.

Frequently Asked Questions

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