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 the becoming a bus driver and the current bus driver salary in more detail. In this guide, we take a closer look at the importance of driving and rest times and give you valuable tips on how you can 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.
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.
Driving and rest periods 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, 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.
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 they are suitable for transporting more than nine people. Compliance with these rules is of great importance to ensure road safety.
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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 IHK, 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 split into 30 minutes and a 15-minute break. Since 2024, the 45-minute break may also be divided into two parts of at least 15 minutes.
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 standby duty or periods spent in the cab of a moving vehicle, e.g. as a co-driver in the case of double occupancy. The bus driver must take a daily break within a 24-hour period.
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Good to know
Since 2024, at the start of the daily rest period with single passenger occasional services of at least six consecutive days, it can be taken once within a maximum 25-hour period (instead of a 24-hour period) after the end of the previous rest period. Twice for at least eight consecutive days.
What are the exceptions?
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 rule
The 12-day rule can be applied if the journey takes more than 24 hours. This must be a journey abroad. Since 2024, however, this also applies to domestic journeys. Bus drivers only need to take a break after 12 days. The general driving and rest times for bus drivers must still be observed. If driving at night, a driving break must be taken after just 3 hours.
Shortening the weekly rest period
It is generally possible for bus drivers to shorten 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 hours omitted 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 complied with:
Route planning:
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.
Make the most of breaks:
Use the 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.
Communication with the employer:
Inform your employer of any difficulties in complying with the times. Solutions can be found together to ensure safety and compliance. Find out about the latest control requirements to stay up to date.
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.
Stay up to date:
Check regularly for the latest updates on rest and driving times. Our PDF in the download area provides all the information about the new regulationsthat have applied since 2024. So you are always on the right page.
The differences at a glance
Daily driving time | Weekly driving time | Rest periods | |
|---|---|---|---|
Definition of | Time a driver spends actively behind the wheel | Total driving times within a calendar week | Specified periods during which a driver may not drive |
Maximum duration | Generally 9 hours (can be extended to 10 hours twice a week) | Max. 56 hours | - |
Period | Within a 24-hour period | Within one calendar week (Monday 00:00 to Sunday 24:00) | Daily and weekly rest periods |
Interruption | After 4.5 hours driving time at least 45 minutes break (can also be divided into 15 + 30 minutes) | - | - |
Daily rest period | - | - | At least 11 consecutive hours (can be reduced to 9 hours) |
Weekly rest period | - | - | At least 45 consecutive hours (can be reduced to 24 hours) |
Special regulations | 2x per week extendable to 10 hours | In 2 consecutive weeks max. 90 hours | Reduced weekly rest periods must be compensated |
Documentation | Digital tachograph or tachograph | Digital tachograph or tachograph | Digital tachograph or tachograph |
Legal basis | Regulation (EC) No. 561/2006 | Regulation (EC) No. 561/2006 | Regulation (EC) No. 561/2006 |
Goal | Avoidance of fatigue during the daily journey | Limiting the weekly workload | Ensuring sufficient recovery time |
Consequences of violations | Fines, points, possible driving ban | Fines, points, possible driving ban | Fines, points, possible driving ban |
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In our agt Bus World, we provide information about current developments in our company, as well as the latest topics and events in the bus and mobility industry.
In our agt Bus World, we provide information about current developments in our company, as well as the latest topics and events in the bus and mobility industry.