Driving and rest times (Regulation 561/2006): limits and how to control them
Under Regulation (EC) 561/2006 a driver may drive 9 hours a day (10 at most twice a week), 56 hours a week and 90 hours in two consecutive weeks, with a 45-minute break after 4.5 hours of driving and a daily rest of 11 hours.
The limits in a table
| Item | Limit |
|---|---|
| Daily driving | 9 hours, extendable to 10 hours at most twice a week |
| Weekly driving | 56 hours |
| Driving in two consecutive weeks | 90 hours |
| Break | 45 minutes after 4 hours 30 minutes of driving |
| Daily rest | 11 hours (can be reduced to 9 hours up to three times between two weekly rests) |
| Weekly rest | 45 hours (reducible to 24 with later compensation) |
The break: 45 minutes, or 15 + 30
After 4 hours and 30 minutes of driving a break of at least 45 minutes must be taken. It may be split into a first break of 15 minutes and another of 30 minutes, in that order, within the driving period.
Daily rest: regular, reduced and split
Regular daily rest is 11 uninterrupted hours. It may be split into two periods: one of at least 3 hours and another of at least 9 hours. The reduced rest (minimum 9 hours) is limited to three times between two weekly rests.
Weekly rest
Regular weekly rest is at least 45 hours. The reduced one may be 24 hours at minimum, but the difference from 45 hours must be compensated in one block before the end of the third following week. The weekly rest must begin, at the latest, at the end of six 24-hour periods from the previous weekly rest.
How to control them in practice
- Plan with margin. A trip that fits "just" in 9 hours falls apart with any delay. Add loading and unloading times.
- Split long trips. Change driver or schedule a rest stop on the route.
- Check the weekly total, not just the day: the week is where it goes wrong most.
- Watch the tachograph data download to have the evidence at hand (28 days for the driver card and 90 for the vehicle unit).
How Fleetaria helps
The driver app logs the activity the driver declares (driving, other work, availability, rest), even offline, and applies a rules engine based on this regulation to calculate how much driving time remains and warn before a limit is exceeded. The office sees the status of all drivers.
It is an aid based on what the driver declares: it does not replace the tachograph nor serve as proof at an inspection, and the engine is pending validation by a transport adviser.
Frequently asked questions
How many hours a day can a truck driver drive?
Nine hours, extendable to ten at most twice a week, always within the limit of 56 hours a week.
How long is the mandatory break?
Forty-five minutes after four and a half hours of driving. It can be split into 15 minutes followed by 30.
How many hours can they drive in two weeks?
A maximum of 90 hours in two consecutive weeks.
Do these limits apply to vans?
Regulation (EC) 561/2006 applies to certain goods vehicles above a maximum weight and to passenger vehicles. To know whether it affects your vehicle, check the regulation's scope or ask your adviser.
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Request a demoThis content is informational and was last reviewed in November 2026. Regulations change: check the current text in the BOE (Spanish gazette) or the OJEU and consult a transport adviser before making decisions with legal consequences.