Updated Driver Hours Rules for HGVs and PSVs

Coming into effect from April 21, 2025, the UK government has introduced updates to the driver hours rules for Heavy Goods Vehicles (HGVs) and Public Service Vehicles (PSVs) under the Drivers’ Hours and Tachographs (Amendment and Modification) Regulations 2025. These changes aim to align UK regulations with international standards, particularly under the UK/EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement and the AETR agreement.

HGV Driver Hours Rules

The updated rules for HGV drivers primarily affect those involved in international transport. Key changes include:

• Tachograph Requirements: Drivers on international journeys to and from an EU member country must now carry 56 days of driving records.
• Smart Tachograph Upgrades: Mandatory upgrades to smart tachographs are required to comply with EU regulations.
• Alignment with AETR Rules: The UK has adopted AETR rules for international journeys, ensuring consistency with international standards.

This update also includes:

• 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’.

PSV Driver Hours Rules

Key changes to the rules for PSV drivers include:

• Updated the GB domestic breaks and length of working day section in the guidance.
• Removed the requirement to return to base or your country of residence.
• Tachograph Data Requirements: UK operators are no longer required to carry 56 days of tachograph data for journeys to the EU, with the requirement now being 28 days.
• Adaptations for International Journeys: Specific guidelines have been introduced to ensure compliance with the UK/EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, focusing on record-keeping and legal bases for PSV operations.
• Updated list of what regulations apply to drivers’ hours and working time, replacing any reference to ‘EU law’ with ‘assimilated drivers’ hours rules’.

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