Traffic examiners will start issuing fines to deal with drivers who don’t properly rest. Lorry, bus and coach drivers must take a 45-hour rest break at least every fortnight. From 1 November 2017, the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) will start to fine drivers up to £300 if they spend their full weekly rest break in their vehicle in places where it causes a problem. For example, if a lorry driver spends their full break in the cab of their lorry in a layby.
Drivers can take their daily rest period or a reduced weekly rest period in their vehicle, provided the vehicle is stationary and is fitted with suitable sleeping facilities. However, drivers cannot take a regular weekly rest period in their vehicle.
The rules will also apply to drivers who don’t live in Great Britain. However, they’ll need to pay any fines immediately, before being allowed to continue their journey. DVSA will immobilise their vehicle until they pay. DVSA will also work with its counterparts in other countries to deal with overseas operators whose drivers regularly do this.
The EU rules on drivers’ hours and working time require 11 hours regular daily rest; which can be reduced to 9 hours no more than three times a week; and 45 hours weekly rest, respectively, which can be reduced to 24 hours, provided at least one full rest is taken in any fortnight. There should be no more than six consecutive 24 hour periods between weekly rests.
