What are the rest periods for truck drivers in Germany?

Truck drivers play a central role in the transportation industry, and their working conditions are crucial to the safety and efficiency of freight transport. Of particular importance are the statutory rest periods, which ensure that drivers get enough rest to avoid accidents caused by exhaustion or fatigue. In this blog post, we would like to provide a detailed overview of rest periods for truck drivers in Germany. We will look at the legal basis, the regulations on breaks and the impact of these regulations on drivers’ day-to-day work.

1. introduction to the legal regulations

Rest periods for truck drivers in Germany are regulated by both national laws and European regulations. The central regulation is Regulation (EC) No. 561/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council, which defines the driving and rest times for drivers in international and national traffic. The aim of this regulation is to increase road safety and protect the health of drivers.

In addition, the Working Hours Act (ArbZG) and the Driving Personnel Act (FPersG) also apply in Germany, which specifically address the working conditions of drivers and stipulate regulations on working hours, breaks and rest periods.

2. the basic rest periods

Daily rest period

According to Regulation (EC) No. 561/2006, truck drivers must take a daily rest period of at least 11 hours. This time can be divided into two parts, whereby the first part must be at least 3 hours and the second part at least 9 hours. However, it is also possible to divide the daily rest period into three parts, whereby the first part must be at least 3 hours and the second part at least 9 hours. However, this division is only permitted if the total rest period is at least 11 hours.

However, there is also an exception: in certain cases, the daily rest period can be reduced to 9 hours if the driver has completed a total of 3 daily rest periods of at least 9 hours within two weeks.

Weekly rest period

In addition to the daily rest periods, truck drivers must also take a weekly rest period. This is at least 45 hours, but can be reduced to 24 hours every two weeks if the driver has taken a rest period of at least 45 hours in the meantime. If the weekly rest period is reduced to 24 hours, the driver must make up these hours within the next three weeks.

Interruption of the rest period

Another important regulation concerns the interruption of rest periods. During the weekly rest period, the driver may only be interrupted under certain conditions, and these interruptions may not exceed one hour in total. If a rest period is interrupted, the driver must make up this time at a later date.

3. breaks during working hours

In addition to rest periods, truck drivers must also take regular breaks. These breaks are necessary to maintain the driver’s concentration and performance and to reduce the risk of accidents caused by fatigue.

According to Regulation (EC) No. 561/2006, drivers who are on the road for more than 6 hours a day must take a break of at least 45 minutes. This break can be divided into two parts: The first part must be at least 15 minutes and the second part at least 30 minutes. However, if the driver drives for less than 6 hours, no break is required.

4. exceptions and special regulations

There are also some exceptions to the general rules on rest periods. However, these exceptions only apply under certain conditions and must be carefully adhered to in order to avoid fines and penalties.

Exemptions for international traffic

In international traffic, other regulations apply in some cases. In certain situations, drivers can shorten the weekly rest period if they stop at a certain point during the journey and take a rest period that meets the requirements. However, these shortened rest periods must be made up within three weeks.

Exceptions for combined transport

In combined transport, where the truck is also transported by rail or water, special regulations also apply. In these cases, the driver’s rest period can be extended under certain circumstances in order to meet the needs of the transportation process.

5. effects on the everyday working life of truck drivers

The legal regulations on rest periods have a direct impact on the day-to-day work of truck drivers. On the one hand, the regulations ensure that drivers have enough time for rest and sleep, which protects their health and safety. On the other hand, they must plan their driving times and rest periods precisely in order to avoid fines and other sanctions.

Maintaining rest periods is a challenge for many truck drivers, especially during times when delivery times and flexibility are often expected by transportation companies. For drivers who cover long distances, it can be difficult to always meet the required rest periods without jeopardizing the schedule.

Another problem is that drivers often have to spend their rest periods in truck cabs or rest areas that are not always comfortable or safe. This can affect the quality of rest and cause long-term health problems.

6. control and penalties

Compliance with rest periods is strictly monitored in Germany. The police carry out regular checks to verify driving and rest times. Violations of the regulations can lead to high fines and, in serious cases, even the withdrawal of a driver’s license. Companies that violate the regulations can also be fined heavily.

The digital tachograph system, which records the driver’s driving and rest times, is generally used for monitoring purposes. This data can be checked by the authorities at any time.

7. conclusion

Rest periods for truck drivers in Germany are an important part of road safety and working time regulations. They serve to protect drivers and ensure road safety. However, compliance with these regulations is not always easy and poses challenges for many drivers and transport companies. Despite the difficulties, these regulations are essential to prevent accidents and health problems caused by fatigue.

For the future, it is to be hoped that the conditions for truck drivers will be further improved, especially in terms of infrastructure and opportunities for rest during breaks and rest periods.