As of 21 April 2025, new regulations have reshaped the drivers’ hours rules for Heavy Goods Vehicle (HGV) operators in the UK, particularly for those involved in international transport. These changes, driven by the UK’s obligations under the UK/EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement, aim to enhance road safety, reduce driver fatigue, and ensure compliance with international standards. This article provides a clear and detailed explanation of these changes, their implications, and practical steps for HGV operators to stay compliant.
Key Points
- New Rules Effective 21 April 2025: The UK has adopted the AETR (European Agreement Concerning the Work of Crews of Vehicles Engaged in International Road Transport) rules for international HGV journeys, replacing retained EU regulations.
- Extended Record-Keeping: Drivers must now produce 56 days of tachograph records for international routes, up from 28 days.
- Smart Tachograph Upgrades: Vehicles must be retrofitted with Smart Tachograph 2 by specific deadlines (18 August 2025 for some, 1 July 2026 for others).
- Safety Focus: These changes aim to reduce driver fatigue, a key cause of road accidents, ensuring safer operations.
- No Domestic Impact: The rules apply only to international journeys, leaving UK domestic operations unchanged.
Understanding the AETR Framework
The AETR is an international agreement governing drivers’ hours, breaks, and rest periods for professional drivers on international road transport. While similar to the previous EU rules, AETR introduces differences, such as allowing drivers to work more than 4 consecutive weeks without returning to their home base and limiting reduced weekly rest periods. These rules apply to HGVs registered outside the UK and EU, as well as passenger service vehicles (PSVs), during international journeys, particularly those involving non-EU AETR signatory countries like Turkey or Morocco.
Major Changes Introduced in 2025
Adoption of AETR Rules
From 21 April 2025, the legal framework for drivers’ hours and tachograph use in international transport has shifted to AETR rules. This affects:
- HGVs registered outside the UK and EU.
- PSVs, regardless of registration, on international routes.
- Journeys between the UK and non-EU AETR countries or those transiting through the EU to reach such destinations.
Certain EU rules, such as returning to base or accommodating weekly rest, no longer apply under AETR.
Extended Tachograph Record Retention
Drivers of HGVs over 3.5 tonnes on UK-EU international routes must now carry 56 days of tachograph records, doubling the previous 28-day requirement. This includes digital data, analogue charts, and manual records, which must be complete and accessible.
Smart Tachograph 2 Retrofit Deadlines
To comply with modern recording standards:
- Vehicles with Smart Tachograph 1 must upgrade to Smart Tachograph 2 by 18 August 2025.
- Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight (GVW) between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes have until 1 July 2026.
Implications for HGV Operators
Ensuring Compliance
Operators must train drivers on AETR rules, focusing on differences like extended work periods without returning to base and restrictions on reduced weekly rest. Compliance is critical to avoid penalties and ensure safety.
Updating Record-Keeping Systems
The 56-day record requirement demands robust systems for storing and accessing tachograph data. Operators may need to invest in software or technology to manage this increased data volume efficiently.
Vehicle Upgrades
Planning for Smart Tachograph 2 retrofits is essential to meet deadlines and avoid disruptions. Operators should assess their fleet and schedule upgrades promptly.
Northern Ireland Considerations
Specific guidance for Northern Ireland operators will be updated, reflecting the region’s unique position in international transport.
Detailed AETR Rules
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Non-compliance with these rules can lead to:
- Fines for operators and drivers.
- Points on drivers’ licences.
- Potential driving disqualifications.
- Vehicle prohibitions.
Training and system updates are vital to avoid these consequences.
Resources for Operators
For detailed guidance, refer to the DVSA’s drivers’ hours rules page. Operators can contact the Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) for clarification or specific queries.
The 2025 changes to drivers’ hours rules for HGV operators mark a significant shift towards international alignment and enhanced safety. By adopting AETR rules, extending record-keeping requirements, and mandating tachograph upgrades, the UK aims to reduce driver fatigue and improve road safety. Operators must act swiftly to train drivers, update systems, and retrofit vehicles to comply with these regulations. Staying informed and proactive will help avoid penalties and ensure safer, more efficient operations.
DVSA Bulletin on Drivers’ Hours Rules Changes
GOV.UK – Drivers’ Hours: AETR Rules
New drivers’ hours requirements for HGV operators
Changes to Drivers’ Hours Rules for HGV Operators
