IMPORTANT REGULATORY CHANGES

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The Drivers' Hours Regulations in the UK have evolved over time, but the first formal rules were introduced in 1968 under the Transport Act 1968. These regulations aimed to improve road safety by limiting the number of hours drivers could work and ensuring adequate rest periods. Since then, the rules have been updated multiple times to align with EU regulations and modern industry needs.

2005    

Introduction of the Road Transport (Working Time) Regulations 2005 aligning UK law with the EU Working Time Directive.

2006   

Mandatory use of digital tachographs for newly registered vehicles in the EU.

2009    

Self-employed drivers brought under Working Time Directive rules.

2019   

Introduction of Smart Tachographs, requiring GPS tracking for improved enforcement.

2020 

EU Mobility Package reforms, including stricter rest period rules and cross-border enforcement. Requirement for FULL records (including non-driving days) to be available at the roadside on demand. £300 fine and immediate prohibition if the driver cannot produce.

2022 

UK Drivers’ Hours and Tachograph Rules Update, adjusting regulations post-Brexit. Vehicles between 2.5T and 3.5T (including car/trailer combinations) used internationally for hire & reward must have a Standard International Goods Vehicle Operator Licence

2023      

Introduction of Smart Tachographs v2, with enhanced security, more accurate location tracking, automatic registration of border crossing, loading/unloading activity, more data capacity and ITS system, which allows for software updates and future integration with fleet management systems. Also DSRC (Dedicated Short Range Communication) which does what it says on the tin: allows DVSA or police to remotely access tacho data to see if a stop is necessary, without the need to stop the vehicle and carry out a download every time.

2025     

Expected updates to Smart Tachograph Version 2, enhancing security and data accuracy. Full records for past 56 days required internationally. Currently remains at 28 days in the UK

Smart tacho v2 required for international journeys for goods vehicles above 3.5T from August 2025

2026    

Smart tacho v2 required for international journeys for goods vehicles above 2.5T from 1st July 2026