Before confirming a booking, check that the driver can complete it within driving, break and rest limits. A free slot in the calendar is not enough if earlier trips have already used up the available hours.
This guide summarises the main rules. Check the regulation for the requirements that apply to each trip.
Which services are covered
For passenger transport, it covers vehicles carrying more than nine people, including the driver. Regular services with routes of up to 50 km are excluded, along with other exemptions.
Daily and weekly driving
Daily driving is limited to 9 hours, extendable to 10 twice a week. The weekly maximum is 56 hours, with no more than 90 across two consecutive weeks.
Check earlier and later bookings, including empty travel. Driving time and working time are different: record each activity appropriately.
Breaks during a trip
After 4 hours and 30 minutes of driving, a break of at least 45 minutes is required unless a rest period begins. The general rule allows a 15-minute break followed by 30 minutes.
For occasional passenger services, it can be split into two breaks of at least 15 minutes each, totalling at least 45. Include them in the itinerary before promising an arrival time.
Daily and weekly rest
Regular daily rest is at least 11 hours; regular weekly rest is 45. Article 8 sets specific conditions for reductions, split rest and postponements.
Check the actual end time before assigning the next trip. A late return followed by an early school run can leave too little rest even when the bookings do not overlap.
Flexibility for occasional passenger services
The flexibility introduced in 2024 affects breaks and certain rest periods. It does not apply automatically: check the service type, conditions and required documentation before using it.
What to check before confirming
- Planned driving, including empty kilometres.
- Scheduled breaks and how waiting time is classified.
- End time and rest before the next booking.
- Daily, weekly and consecutive two-week driving totals.
- Whether a second driver or a revised itinerary is needed.
Official sources
See Articles 2 and 3 for scope, Article 6 for driving, Article 7 for breaks and Article 8 for rest.
