HGV
ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS

How working time regulations affect you as a driver under GB drivers' hours rules or as an occasional mobile worker

As well as the rules on drivers' hours, you may also be affected by regulations on working time.

This page looks at how working time regulations affect you if:

• you work under GB drivers' hours rules
• you work under European Union (EU) drivers' hours rules but are exempt from the Working Time Regulations 2005 because you fit the criteria of an occasional mobile worker -

For information about working time rules that apply if you are working under EU drivers' hours rules.

Which parts of the working time regulations affect you

If you drive a vehicle under the GB domestic drivers' hours rules, or are an occasional mobile worker, you are affected by four provisions under the Working Time Regulations 1998. These are:

• Weekly working time, which must not exceed an average of 48 hours per week over the reference period - although you can opt out of this
• A right to 4.8 weeks' paid annual leave - this will increase to 5.6 weeks from 1 April 2009
• Health checks, if you work at night
• An entitlement to adequate rest

The reference period for calculating the 48-hour average week is normally a rolling 17-week period. This can be extended to 52 weeks, if a collective or workforce agreement allows it.

Adequate rest means that you, as a worker, should have regular rest periods. These should be long enough and continuous so that you do not harm yourself, fellow workers or others, and your health is not damaged in the short term or the long term.

Exemptions for self-employed workers

The working time rules do not apply to you if you are running your own business and are free to work for different clients and customers.