The road transport (working time) regulations factsheet

The Road Transport (Working Time) Regulations 2005, came into force on 4 April 2005, and apply to drivers and crews (e.g. drivers mates) of heavy goods vehicles and public service vehicles in Great Britain. There are similar regulations implementing the Directive for Northern Ireland.

 

The Regulations implement the Road Transport (Working Time) Directive (2002/15/EC). This is one of three sector-specific European Directives, the other two cover seafarers and the aviation sector. The Regulations implement EU-wide working time arrangements for road transport in the UK.

 

The Road Transport Directive applies to "mobile workers" participating in road transport activities under the EU drivers` hours rules set out in EU Regulation 3820/85/EC (the Tacho Regs). Drivers and crew of most goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes, coaches and some (non-local) buses will be affected, although there are exemptions in respect of some vehicles. Passenger vehicles that are suitable for carrying more than nine people, including the driver, will also be covered.