Drivers' hours
Goods vehicles
The rules that apply to goods vehicles depend on the weight of your vehicle, the country you’re driving in and what you’re using the vehicle for.
EU rules
EU rules apply if the maximum weight of your vehicle or vehicle combination is more than 3.5 tonnes and you’re driving either:
- in the UK
- to, from or through an EU country
Some vehicles are exempt from EU rules when driven in the UK.
AETR rules
AETR (European Agreement Concerning the Work of Crews Engaged in International Road Transport) rules apply if:
- your vehicle or vehicle combination is more than 3.5 tonnes
- you’re driving to, through or from a country that follows the AETR rules
GB domestic rules
GB (Great Britain) domestic rules apply in England, Wales and Scotland if any of the following are true:
- the maximum weight of your vehicle or vehicle combination is under 3.5 tonnes
- your vehicle is exempt from EU rules when driven in the UK
- the vehicle is being used in connection with a trade or business
If you’ll be driving through a country outside of the UK, EU, EEA or Switzerland, you should contact the UK embassy of the country to check on local rules.
More information
Read Goods vehicles: rules on drivers’ hours and tachographs for the main rules.
Read the rules for drivers’ hours in the recovery vehicle industry.
There are specific rules for tachographs and horse boxes or trailers.