How does a ferry journey affect my driver hours?

Where a driver accompanies a vehicle that is being transported by ferry or train, the daily rest requirements are more flexible.

DVSA logoA regular daily rest period may be interrupted no more than twice, but the total interruption must not exceed 1 hour in total. This allows for a vehicle to be driven on to a ferry and off again at the end of the crossing. Where the rest period is interrupted in this way, the total accumulated rest period must still be 11 hours. A bunk or couchette must be available during the rest period.

For example, a qualifying regular daily rest period could be interrupted in the following manner:

  • Rest - 2 hours
  • Driving/other work (embarkation) - 30 minutes
  • Rest (on ferry or train) - 7 hours
  • Driving/other work (disembarkation) - 30 minutes
  • Rest - 2 hours

For more information on drivers' hours, read our Drivers' Working Hours - The Facts and Using Ferry Mode on a Digital Tachograph articles.

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Tue, 19 Mar 2024
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