The working time regulations for lorry drivers are an important restriction in route planning.
In addition to the Working Hours Act (ArbZG), which applies to employed drivers, the Act on the Regulation of Working Hours of Self-Employed Drivers (KrFArbZG) plays an important role, especially for trucks with a gross vehicle weight of 3.5 tonnes or more.
In general, the ArbZG requires a break of at least 30 minutes after a maximum of 6 hours of work. The daily working time is also limited to a maximum of 8 hours, but can be extended to a maximum of 10 hours twice a week.
The KrFArbZG also applies to self-employed drivers and requires a maximum weekly working time of 48 hours, which can be extended to up to 60 hours per week for short periods.
The laws have numerous exceptions and special regulations. In addition, the regulation on driving times and rest periods (Europe-wide) also applies, which in turn regulates numerous special cases. As a result, checking whether a driver's next shift is actually authorised can turn into a nightmare. In particular, you need to know exactly how long a driver has worked in the last few months.
