HGV Weekly Rest Period Rules 2025: UK & EU Legal Requirements
DVSA roadside checks reveal 1 in 3 HGV drivers violate weekly rest rules. With fines up to £300 per infringement and operator licence points at stake, understanding 2025's rest period requirements is essential.
2025 Change: New EU Mobility Package rules now apply to all UK-based international drivers (Regulation (EU) 2020/1054).
Weekly Rest Period Rules
| Rest Type | Minimum Duration | Frequency |
|---|---|---|
| Regular Weekly Rest | 45 hours | Every 6x24h period |
| Reduced Weekly Rest | 24 hours | Max 3 times between 45h rests |
Split Weekly Rest Rules
Option 1: 24h + 21h
First part must include 9 consecutive night hours (11PM-6AM)
Option 2: 3x Shorter Periods
Minimum 9h each, totaling 45h across 4 weeks
Penalty: Taking reduced rest more than 3 times between full rests risks operator licence downgrade.
Real-World Scenarios
International Driver Example
Mon-Fri: Drive to Spain → Sat 12PM: Begin 45h rest → Sun 9AM: Resume driving
Compliant: Includes 2 nights (Fri & Sat)
Domestic Reduced Rest Example
Week 1: 24h rest → Week 2: 24h rest → Week 3: 45h rest
Violation: Only 1 full rest in 3 weeks
Never Miss a Rest Period Again
Our Rest Period Calculator automatically:
Alerts when reduced rest is used
Tracks 4-week rolling periods
Exports DVSA-ready records
Weekly Rest FAQs
Can I take my weekly rest in the cab?
Yes, if the vehicle has a proper sleeper berth. However, EU rules require 45h rests away from the vehicle at least every 4 weeks.
Does ferry time count as rest?
Only if you have access to a sleeper cabin. Time in driver seats must be recorded as "other work".