Rest and driving times for bus drivers are an important aspect of this profession’s daily work routine. They serve not only to ensure passenger safety but also to promote the well-being and performance of the drivers themselves. In previous Buswelt articles, we’ve already taken a closer look at becoming a bus driver and current bus driver salaries. In this guide, we’ll examine the importance of driving and rest periods in greater detail and provide you with valuable tips on how to make the most of these periods. We’ll also cover the exceptions provided for in the law and the consequences of failing to comply with driving and rest periods for bus drivers.

Driving and rest periods are designed to ensure passenger safety. Adequate breaks and rest periods allow drivers to recover and return to the wheel refreshed. Fatigue and overexertion can be avoided, which positively impacts drivers’ concentration and alertness. This significantly reduces the risk of accidents, as sleep deprivation is a serious problem among professional drivers.

Compliance with driving and rest periods plays a crucial role in the safety of bus drivers and their passengers. It is essential that legal requirements be strictly followed and that these periods be carefully planned to ensure the safety of both drivers and other road users.
Driving and rest periods can pose significant challenges for bus drivers. Long routes, time pressure, and unforeseen traffic conditions can tempt drivers to circumvent the regulations. However, this can have serious consequences—for the safety of passengers and bus drivers alike, as well as for the company itself. It is therefore important to recognize these challenges and develop solutions to ensure compliance with these time limits.

By taking adequate breaks and limiting driving times, bus drivers can ensure their own safety and that of their passengers. A healthy work-life balance is crucial for drivers’ performance and well-being. At agt, we place great importance on providing our bus drivers with the best conditions for a safe and well-rested journey. As a mobility service provider, it is our responsibility to ensure they have optimal working conditions.

The legal requirements regarding driving and rest periods for bus drivers are strictly regulated. These regulations specify how long a bus driver is allowed to drive at a time and how long rest breaks must be. They apply to all vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of more than 3.5 metric tons. For buses, there is an additional provision: the driving and rest periods apply only if the bus is designed to carry more than nine passengers. Compliance with these rules is of great importance for ensuring road safety.

For example, aircraft that use lighter composite materials such as carbon-fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) or aluminum-lithium alloy consume less fuel due to their low weight and thus produce lower CO2 emissions. Highly efficient engines, such as the new-generation turbofan engine, are also significantly more fuel-efficient, which leads to economical and, above all, sustainable travel. Another option is electric propulsion, which could play a decisive role in aviation in the future. Smaller aircraft and short-haul flights, in particular, could benefit from this promising solution.

Exceeding Driving Time Limits
As a general rule, the daily driving time limit must not be exceeded. However, there are some exceptions under which the maximum driving time for bus drivers may be exceeded.

According to the Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK), the following cases are possible:

• Danger (imminent spoilage of goods, failure of heating or cooling systems)

• Force majeure (traffic congestion due to an accident, delays at borders, natural disasters)

• Vehicle breakdown

• No suitable parking space

12-Day Rule
The 12-day rule applies to trips lasting more than 24 hours. Previously, this rule applied only to trips abroad. However, since 2024, it has also applied to domestic trips. Under this rule, bus drivers are not required to take a break until after 12 days. The general driving and rest periods for bus drivers must still be observed. If driving also takes place at night, a break from driving must be taken after just 3 hours.

Reduction of the Weekly Rest Period
A reduction of the weekly rest period to at least 24 hours is generally possible for bus drivers. However, there is an important rule to keep in mind. The normal weekly rest period of 45 hours must be observed in both the preceding week and the following week. In addition, the omitted hours must be made up within a 45-hour period.

Tips for Complying with Driving and Rest Periods for Bus Drivers
To ensure that driving and rest periods for bus drivers are used optimally and complied with, there are several proven strategies:

Route Planning:
Careful route planning helps avoid unnecessary time pressure and ensures you allow enough time for breaks. Technical tools, such as smartphone apps, can be particularly helpful for tracking driving and rest times.

Making the Most of Breaks:
Use your breaks to relax, stretch, and eat something. A short rest can work wonders and boost your concentration. A little exercise can help combat fatigue or exhaustion and stimulate circulation.

Sleep Hygiene:
Ensure you get good-quality sleep to recover optimally during rest periods. A quiet sleeping area, sufficient darkness, and a comfortable room temperature can help you feel refreshed.

Communicate with your employer:
Inform your employer of any difficulties you may have in adhering to the required times. Together, you can find solutions to ensure safety and compliance with regulations. Stay informed about the latest inspection requirements to remain up to date.

Using Technology:
Modern technologies offer support for monitoring and complying with driving and rest periods. For example, vehicle systems can provide drivers with information about their driving and rest periods and remind them in a timely manner of upcoming breaks.

Stay up to date:
Check regularly for the latest updates on rest and driving times. Our PDF in the download section provides all the information you need about the new regulations that have been in effect since 2024. That way, you’ll always be on the right side of the law.