Changes to the drivers’ hours rules for HGV operators

New regulations come into force on Monday 21st April which require changes to the drivers’ hours rules for HGV operators.

The drivers’ hours guidance will be updated to reflect these changes.

What you need to know  

For HGVs, you need to:

• produce 56 days of drivers records on international journeys  

• follow AETR rules for journeys to and from the UK and non-EU countries

Ensure you retrofit a smart tachograph 2 by:

• 18 August 2025 if your vehicle is currently equipped with a smart tachograph 1  

• 1 July 2026 if your vehicle GVW is between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes

The updated guidance will also include:

• a definition of what goods are in relation to drivers’ hours    

• clarity on national derogation for radio or television broadcasting    

• an updated list of countries for the EU and non-EU   

• an updated list of what regulations apply to drivers’ hours and working time  

• replacing any reference to ‘EU law’ with ‘assimilated drivers’ hours rules’

To Find out what the new rules are click here