Driving Times & Rest Periods
Complete tables on driving times and rest periods under EU Regulation (EC) 561/2006 and the AETR Agreement. Including tachograph obligation, fine overview and WTD working time directive – current 2026.
Quick Answer
Table 1: Driving Times & Rest Periods (EU Reg. 561/2006)
| Rule | Limit |
|---|---|
| Daily driving time | 9h |
| Driving break | 45 min |
| Weekly driving time | 56h |
| Two-week driving time | 90h |
| Daily rest (regular) | 11h |
| Daily rest (reduced) | 9h |
| Weekly rest (regular) | 45h |
| Weekly rest (reduced) | 24h |
Table 2: Multi-manning
| Rule | Solo Driver | Multi-manning |
|---|---|---|
| Max. daily driving | 9h (10h) | 9h (10h 2×) |
| Daily rest | 11h (9h red.) | 9h |
| Rest after departure | — | 1h in first 3h |
| Weekly driving | 56h | 56h |
Even in multi-manning, each driver is subject to the same daily driving time as solo operation (9h, max. 2×/week 10h). The advantage lies in the reduced rest time (9h instead of 11h) and the ability to take it while travelling.
Table 3: EU Reg. 561/2006 vs. AETR (Switzerland)
Switzerland is an AETR contracting state. The rules are largely identical to EU Reg. 561/2006.
| Aspect | EU (561/2006) | AETR / CH |
|---|---|---|
| Scope | from 3.5t, commercial | from 3.5t, international transport |
| Daily driving | 9h (10h 2×) | 9h (10h 2×) |
| Weekly driving | 56h | 56h |
| Smart tachograph required | since 2019 (new vehicles) | from 2019 for new vehicles |
| Swiss national deviations | — | AZG applies for domestic Swiss transport |
Table 4: Tachograph Types & Obligations
| Type | Introduced | Required for |
|---|---|---|
| Analogue tachograph | < 2004 | Old vehicles (exception) |
| Digital tachograph (1st gen) | 2004–2019 | Existing vehicles until retrofit deadline |
| Smart Tachograph V1 | 2019–2023 | New vehicles from 06/2019 |
| Smart Tachograph V2 | 2023+ | New vehicles from 08/2023. Retrofit V1→V2: by 19.08.2025 (>3.5t intl.). Vehicles 2.5–3.5t cross-border: from 01.07.2026 |
Table 5: Fines for Driving Time Violations
| Country | Driver (minor) | Driver (serious) |
|---|---|---|
| 🇩🇪 Deutschland | € 30–500 | bis € 5.000 |
| 🇨🇭 Schweiz | CHF 100–500 | bis CHF 5.000 |
| 🇦🇹 Österreich | € 36–200 | bis € 2.180 |
| 🇫🇷 Frankreich | € 135–750 | bis € 3.750 |
| 🇳🇱 Niederlande | € 50–500 | bis € 3.300 |
* Guidelines 2026. Actual amounts may vary depending on severity and frequency of violation.
EU Mobility Package (Reg. 2020/1054) – Key Changes
The EU Mobility Package (in force from August 2020 / February 2022) brought significant new rules on driving times, rest periods and cabotage. These rules apply to commercial goods transport >3.5t in the EU.
🏠 Driver return obligation
- ·Driver must return to their place of residence or base every 3–4 weeks
- ·Companies must organise and document the return
🚫 Sleeping ban in vehicle (weekly rest)
- ·Regular weekly rest (45h) may NOT be spent in the vehicle
- ·Suitable, paid accommodation must be provided or financed by the company
🔄 Cabotage: 4-day cooling-off
- ·After completing all cabotage operations: 4 days no cabotage in the same country
- ·In addition to existing rule: max. 3 cabotage runs in 7 days
Ferry & Train: Special Rest Period Rule (Art. 9)
When a driver transports their vehicle on a ferry or train, the daily or reduced weekly rest period may be interrupted – under clearly defined conditions (Art. 9 Reg. 561/2006, updated by Reg. 2020/1054).
✅ Permitted – daily / reduced weekly rest
- ✓Interruption max. 2× during the rest period
- ✓Total duration of interruptions: max. 1 hour
- ✓Driver must have access to a sleeping cabin or bunk
📋 Regular weekly rest (45h) on ferry
- →Only permitted if planned ferry journey ≥ 8 hours
- →Driver must have access to sleeping cabin (not bunk/seat)
- →Interruption rules (2× / max. 1h) apply here too
Emergency Exception: Driving Time Extension (Art. 12 Reg. 561/2006)
Under exceptional circumstances (e.g. traffic jam, accident, border waiting time) a driver may exceed driving time – provided road safety is not jeopardised. The exception only applies to reach a safe location or the base.
Exceptions from Reg. 561/2006
Not applicable to: vehicles under 3.5t, domestic transport outside EU/AETR territory, vehicles with max. 9 seats (non-commercial), empty runs related to crafts/agriculture within 100km of base, police/fire/military vehicles, humanitarian aid vehicles.