Driving times and rest periods are legally prescribed time limits that apply to drivers in commercial road traffic. They serve to protect road safety and the health of drivers and must be strictly observed and documented in fleet management .
What are driving and rest times?
Driving times specify the maximum time a driver may drive a vehicle in one go or per day. Rest periods define the legally prescribed breaks and recovery periods that must be observed between working hours. The most important regulations are laid down in EU Regulation No. 561/2006 and the Driving Personnel Act (FPersG).
Daily and weekly targets at a glance
- Daily driving time: maximum 9 hours, up to 10 hours permitted twice a week
- Weekly driving time: maximum 56 hours
- Two-week driving time: maximum 90 hours
- Daily rest time: at least 11 hours (can be reduced once to 9 hours)
- Weekly rest period: at least 45 hours, can be reduced to 24 hours in case of compensation
Why are driving and rest times important for the fleet?
Adhering to these times has many advantages in the vehicle fleet – and is legally binding:
- Road safety: Tired drivers pose a high risk of accidents.
- Legal certainty: Violations can result in high fines and penalties – even for companies.
- Efficiency: forward-looking route planning prevents unnecessary downtime
- Compliance: In the event of inspections by the FOPH or other authorities, all data must be fully documented.
Control and documentation in the vehicle fleet
Driving times and rest periods are recorded using digital tachographs. This data must be regularly read out, archived and checked for anomalies. Modern fleet software can provide automated support here, including notifications in the event of impending infringements.
Conclusion
Driving and rest times are a key issue for all fleets with drivers. Those who rely on control, clear processes and digital support not only protect people and materials, but also themselves from legal consequences. Forward-looking deployment planning ensures smooth processes in daily operations.
