1
Identify the vehicle
Check maximum permitted weight, trailer combination and vehicle use.
HGV drivers’ hours rules
Know which drivers’ hours rules apply to the journey
The applicable regime must be identified before calculating driving limits, breaks or rest. Vehicle weight, journey type, country and exemptions all matter.
Reviewed July 2026Checked against current GOV.UK and DVSA guidance available at publication.
General guidanceNot a substitute for legislation, official instructions or competent advice.
Professional responsibilityDrivers and operators remain responsible for lawful and safe operation.
Key points
Use these summaries to understand the topic, then verify the exact rules against the vehicle, journey and official guidance.
2
Identify the journey
Check whether the work is domestic, international, in the EU or in an AETR country.
3
Check exemptions
Do not assume a general rule applies where a statutory exemption or derogation may change the position.
Assimilated rules: principal limits
- Normally 9 hours daily driving, extendable to 10 hours no more than twice in a week.
- Maximum 56 hours driving in a fixed week.
- Maximum 90 hours driving in any two consecutive fixed weeks.
- At least 45 minutes qualifying break after no more than 4 hours 30 minutes driving.
- Daily and weekly rest requirements apply separately.
These are headline limits only. Multi-manning, ferry/train interruptions, emergencies, mixed-rule work, exemptions and international work require more detailed assessment.
GB domestic rules are different
Under the GB domestic goods-vehicle rules, the daily driving limit is generally 10 hours in a working day and the daily duty limit is generally 11 hours, subject to the detailed rules and exemptions. Do not apply assimilated-rule calculations to domestic-rule work without checking the correct regime.
Official sourcesExternal guidance may be amended. Check the source date and updates before relying on it.
Continue through the Knowledge Centre
Related guidance is linked so drivers and operators can keep separate legal concepts in context.
Use guidance alongside live road intelligence
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