Driving and rest times for bus drivers

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Agenda

Why are driving and rest times important?
Differences between driving times, weekly driving times and rest periods
Legal provisions and regulations
Coach trip over Good Friday with agt
Legal provisions and regulations
Exceptions and special features
Our rest and driving times

Why are driving and rest times important?

Rest and driving times for bus drivers are an important aspect of the day-to-day work of this professional group. They not only serve the safety of passengers, but also the well-being and performance of the drivers themselves. In previous Buswelt articles, we have already taken a closer look at becoming a bus driver and the current bus driver salary. In this guide, we take a closer look at the importance of driving times and rest periods and give you valuable tips on how to make the most of these times. We also provide information on the exceptions that exist in the law and the consequences of non-compliance with driving and rest times for bus drivers.

Driving and rest periods serve the safety of passengers. Sufficient breaks and rest periods allow drivers to recover and get back behind the wheel again. Fatigue and overwork can be avoided, which has a positive effect on drivers' concentration and alertness. This significantly reduces the risk of accidents, as sleep deprivation is a serious problem among professional drivers.

Driving times and rest periods are essential for the safety and performance of bus drivers and play a decisive role in preventing fatigue and accidents.

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Differences between driving times, weekly driving times and rest periods

It is important to understand the difference between driving times and rest periods. Driving times refer to the actual time a bus driver is at the wheel and driving the vehicle. Rest periods, on the other hand, are the periods during which the driver can recover from their work without being at the wheel. These types of time are equally important and should be carefully planned and adhered to.

Driving time is any time during which the vehicle is being driven. This also includes procedures such as waiting at traffic lights or in traffic jams. In comparison, driving breaks are when the bus driver has the opportunity to leave the bus. An example of a break would be at a rest stop, where the bus driver has the opportunity to leave his vehicle. The driving time may only be exceeded under certain exceptions. These are discussed in the rest of this guide.

According to the Chamber of Industry and Commerce, the daily driving time is "the total driving time between the end of a daily rest period and the start of the following daily rest period or between a daily and a weekly rest period." The normal daily driving time must not exceed 9 hours. A break of at least 45 minutes must be taken after a maximum of 4.5 hours. The breaks can also be divided into three 45-minute breaks or one 30-minute break and a 15-minute break.

The daily driving time is offset by the rest period. The IHK describes the rest period as "any interrupted period of at least one hour during which the driver can freely dispose of his time. Rest periods do not include periods of work or readiness for work or cabin time spent in the moving vehicle, e.g. as a co-driver in the case of double occupancy; however, co-driver time can be a break in driving time)". The bus driver must take a daily break within a 24-hour period.

Legal provisions and regulations

The legal requirements regarding driving times and rest periods for bus drivers are strictly regulated. These regulations stipulate how long a bus driver may drive at a stretch and how long the rest breaks must be. They apply to all vehicles with a maximum permissible mass of more than 3.5 tons. There is a further provision for buses: the driving and rest periods only apply if the bus is suitable for transporting more than nine people. Compliance with these rules is of great importance to ensure road safety.

For example, aircraft that use lighter composite materials such as carbon fiber-reinforced plastic (CFRP) or aluminum-lithium alloys consume less fuel due to their low weight and therefore produce lower CO2 emissions. Highly efficient propulsion systems, such as the new generation turbofan engine, are also significantly more efficient in terms of fuel consumption, resulting in 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.

Good to know

Working Time Directive: The European Union's Working Time Directive lays down general rules for the organization of working time. It protects employees from excessive workloads and also regulates the driving and rest times of bus drivers.

Driving Personnel Ordinance: In Germany, the FPersV is the legal basis for the driving and rest times of bus drivers. It contains regulations on maximum driving times for bus drivers, minimum rest periods and breaks.

Driving and Rest Periods Ordinance: The LRTV supplements the FPersV and regulates specific aspects of driving and rest periods, such as the record-keeping obligations for drivers and employers.

Digital tachograph: The DTCO is an electronic device that is used in buses to automatically record driving and rest times. It is used to monitor and document legal regulations.

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Exceptions and special features

Exceeding driving times
As a rule, the daily driving time may not be exceeded. However, there are some exceptional cases in which the maximum driving time for bus drivers may be exceeded.

According to the IHK, the following cases are possible:

Danger (imminent spoilage of the goods, failure of heating or cooling)
Force majeure (traffic jams due to accidents, delays at borders, natural disasters)
Breakdown of the vehicle
No suitable parking space

12-day regulation
The 12-day rule can be applied if the journey takes more than 24 hours. This must be a journey abroad, which is the rule for the journey time. Bus drivers only need to take a break after 12 days. The general driving and rest periods for bus drivers must still be observed. If driving at night, a driving break must be taken after just 3 hours.

Reduction of the weekly rest period
It is generally possible for bus drivers to reduce their weekly rest period to at least 24 hours. However, one important rule must be observed. The normal weekly rest period of 45 hours must be observed for the previous week and the following week. In addition, the omitted hours must be compensated within a period of 45 hours.

Tips for complying with driving and rest times for bus drivers
There are a few tried and tested strategies to ensure that driving and rest times for bus drivers can be optimally used and adhered to:

Planning the routes:
Careful route planning helps to avoid unnecessary time pressure and to allow sufficient time for breaks. Technical aids such as cell phone apps, especially for driving and rest times, can help with this.

Use breaks properly:
Use the rest breaks to relax, stretch and eat something. A short recovery period can work wonders and increase concentration. A little exercise can combat tiredness or exhaustion and stimulate circulation.

Sleep hygiene:
Make sure you get good quality sleep in order to recover optimally during rest periods. A quiet place to sleep, sufficient darkness and a pleasant room temperature can help you feel refreshed.

Communicate with your employer:
Inform your employer of any difficulties in complying with the times. Solutions can be found together to ensure safety and compliance with the regulations.

Use technology:
Modern technologies offer support in monitoring and complying with driving and rest times. Vehicle systems can, for example, provide drivers with information about their driving and rest times and remind them in good time of upcoming breaks.

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Our rest and driving times

Compliance with driving and rest times plays a crucial role in the safety of bus drivers and their passengers. It is essential that the legal requirements are strictly adhered to and that these times are carefully planned to ensure the safety of both drivers and other road users.

Complying with driving and rest times can be very challenging for bus drivers. Long routes, time pressure and unforeseen traffic situations can lead to drivers being tempted to circumvent the regulations. However, this can have serious consequences, both for the safety of passengers, the bus driver and the company itself. It is therefore important to recognize these challenges and develop solutions to ensure compliance with the times.

By taking adequate rest breaks and limiting driving times, bus drivers can ensure their safety and that of their passengers. A good work-life balance is very important for the performance and well-being of drivers. At AGT Bus- & Eventlogistik, we attach great importance to offering our bus drivers the best conditions for a safe and restful journey. As a mobility service provider, it is our responsibility to provide them with optimal working conditions.

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