EU drivers’ hours rules temporary relaxation updated for all road haulage sectors within Great Britain
The relaxation of the rules applies from 12:01am on 22 January 2021 until 11:59pm on 31 March 2021.
There are no plans to extend the relaxation after 31 March 2021.
However, this is kept under review, and the DfT reserves the right to withdraw or amend the relaxation if circumstances change.
Anyone driving in Great Britain (GB) under the EU drivers’ hours rules and undertaking carriage of goods by road can use this relaxation where necessary.
The relaxations are not limited to specific sectors or journeys. Drivers engaged in international road transport or transport between GB and Northern Ireland (NI) should not use this relaxation.
Drivers must not use this relaxation as well as the relaxation provided for international road transport and transport between GB and NI.
The temporary relaxation of the rules reflects the exceptional circumstances stemming from the coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak and the effects within GB of COVID disruption and EU transition changes to international supply chains.
It must be used only where necessary, otherwise, the normal drivers’ hours should be followed.
This relaxation does not apply to drivers in scope of the GB drivers’ hours rules and so not subject to tachograph controls.
Further information:
