Driving hours and rest rules for couriers in the UK and EU

Courier driving has changed a lot in recent years. More deliveries, tighter schedules and longer routes mean owner drivers need a clear understanding of driving hours and rest rules. HGV drivers follow strict tachograph laws, but van drivers often work under different rules.

In this guide, we’ll explain how the driving hours and rest periods system works for couriers in the UK and EU, and how you can protect your safety, stay compliant and run a healthy business.

Couriers don’t need the same equipment or documentation as hauliers, but you still have limits to follow. Knowing where you stand helps you plan your day, avoid fatigue and stay ready for all types of courier jobs.

How courier rules differ from haulier rules

If you’ve ever done commercial driving, you’ll probably know how strict the HGV drivers hours system is.

On the other hand, couriers and van drivers don’t usually fall under tachograph rules for domestic or EU work, but other rules still apply.

UK van drivers work under the GB Domestic Drivers Hours Rules and the Working Time Regulations. If you take on international courier work, EU rules may apply too. This depends on your vehicle weight and where you operate.

Couriers often work long days, so it’s important to understand how your schedule fits into the limits. Long shifts, tight routes and unpredictable delays all increase fatigue risk. You can manage this with rest planning, route organisation and good record keeping.

GB Domestic Drivers Hours Rules

Couriers in vehicles under 3.5 tonnes usually fall under these rules when working in the UK. These limits help you manage fatigue and protect other road users. The rest rules also help you protect your business, especially when dealing with checks, insurance claims or customer disputes.

The GB Domestic rules outline below set limits on daily driving, duty time and rest requirements.

Daily driving limit

You can’t drive for more than 10 hours on public roads in a single day.

This limit covers the time you’re physically behind the wheel. Many courier runs involve heavy traffic and repeated stop-start driving, which can make fatigue set in quickly.

Planning realistic routes helps you stay within your driving hours limit.

Maximum duty time

You can’t be on duty for more than 11 hours in a day. Duty time includes anything you do for work:

• Driving
• Loading
• Unloading
• Waiting for a job
• Vehicle checks
• Admin work

These tasks add up quickly. It helps to keep simple records so you know how much duty time you’ve used.

Rest requirements under domestic rules

Once you’ve hit your duty limit, you need rest. Many couriers work variable schedules, so it’s easy to lose track of how long you’ve been active. Building short rests into your day helps you avoid running out of hours when you still have deliveries left.

Record keeping for courier driving

You don’t need a tachograph, but you must keep a written record of your driving hours and rest periods. You can use a diary, logbook or notes on your phone. Some drivers use simple apps designed for time tracking. Good records help in roadside stops, insurance claims or disputes about working time.

Light vehicles are often overlooked for checks, but the DVSA still inspects vans and can ask for your logs. Accurate notes show that you took your responsibilities seriously.

Working Time Regulations for courier drivers

The Working Time Regulations cover almost everyone who works, including courier drivers. These rules sit alongside the GB Domestic system and help you manage fatigue during busy periods.

Weekly working hours

You can work an average of 48 hours a week. Self-employed drivers can opt out of this limit, but you’re still expected to manage your fatigue sensibly. Many owner drivers work long days, especially during peak seasons, so it helps to keep an eye on your weekly totals.

A simple weekly log gives you enough visibility to avoid pushing too hard for too long, even when you have a lot of owner driver courier work on your plate.

Daily and weekly rest periods

You need at least 11 hours’ rest in every 24-hour period. This gives your body enough time to recover from long shifts and helps keep your reactions sharp. You also need at least 24 hours of uninterrupted rest each week.

Couriers with long commutes or early starts sometimes cut this rest short without realising it. Planning your week with these rest rules and limits in mind helps you stay alert and ready for the next run.

Rest breaks during the working day

If you work more than 6 hours in a single day, you need a 20-minute break. This rule helps you reset during demanding multi-drop routes. Even a short pause helps you maintain concentration in dense traffic or busy city centres.

Many couriers take small breaks while waiting for a collection or delivery. You can count these towards your break time as long as you’re not working.

Van driving hours in the EU

Couriers who work outside the UK may fall under EU Drivers Hours rules (the UK government now refers to them as “Assimilated rules“). These rules usually apply only to vans over 2.5 tonnes used for hire and reward across borders.

If you do cross-border courier work, check whether your vehicle falls into this category. You might need:

• A tachograph
• Driving logs
• Regular rest periods
• Breaks every 4.5 hours
• Weekly driving limits
• Recorded duty time

These rules don’t apply to most domestic UK van drivers, but they matter if you take occasional European jobs.

EU rules differ from GB rules, so planning becomes even more important. Longer runs, overnight rest breaks and border crossings all add extra fatigue pressure. If you’re used to multi-drop work in the UK, international delivery patterns will feel very different.

What happens if you exceed the driving limits

If you exceed your driving hours, the DVSA or police can take action. Fatigue counts as a safety risk, and driving while tired can lead to immediate penalties. They might stop you completing your route or even prohibit you from driving until you’ve rested.

There can also be commercial consequences. If fatigue contributes to an accident, your courier insurance and public liability insurance policies may become more complicated. Insurers often look at working records, rest logs and shift patterns during investigations.

Record keeping protects you: simple notes show that you followed the rules and acted responsibly. This matters when insurers review incidents or when fleet operators check compliance before offering you work.

Some companies that post overnight courier jobs ask for proof of safe working hours before awarding long-distance contracts.

Practical advice for self-employed couriers

Courier work gives you freedom, but it also demands discipline. Planning helps you keep clear of compliance issues and reduces fatigue on long days.

Plan realistic working days

Routes vary, traffic can be unpredictable and customer deadlines shift. All of this affects your day. Planning helps you stay within your driving hours limit while still earning a healthy income.

Many drivers use route-planning tools to avoid inefficient journeys and limit empty return journeys. This gives you a better balance between driving time and rest time.

Build rest breaks into your route

Short breaks improve focus on long runs and busy multi-drop days. City deliveries involve long periods of concentration, so a five-minute reset can make a noticeable difference.

Think about natural pauses during your day. Waiting at a depot, stopping for fuel or preparing documents can count as rest if you’re not working.

Track your working hours

Simple records help you stay organised and confident during roadside checks. You don’t need anything advanced. A quick log that shows:

• Start time
• Driving hours
• Rest breaks
• Duty time
• End time

This protects you in disputes and helps when reviewing your weekly pattern under the Working Time Regulations.

Good time tracking also helps you understand your workload during peak seasons. It makes it easier to manage demand, protect your health and handle the impact of busy delivery periods.

Watch for signs of fatigue

Fatigue builds slowly, so stay alert to warning signs. Common risks include:

• Slow reactions
• Difficulty concentrating
• Eye strain
• Irritability
• Drifting from your lane

Courier work often involves tight deadlines and repeated short trips. This combination makes fatigue more likely than many drivers realise.

Equipment can help too. A courier van dashcam supports you with evidence in the event of an incident, and some models alert you when your attention slips. It’s also a useful addition to your van if you want to reduce your courier insurance premiums.

Look after your van

Your van affects your fatigue levels. Uncomfortable seating, poor air circulation or suspension issues can wear you out faster. Keeping on top of maintaining your courier van helps you stay comfortable across long shifts.

Consider extending your van warranty if you handle heavy mileage. It helps you manage repair costs and reduces the stress of unexpected breakdown when combined with courier breakdown cover.

Use safe working equipment

Simple equipment makes the job safer. High-visibility courier PPE helps during early starts, late finishes and deliveries in dark car parks. Gloves and safe footwear reduce strain during loading, unloading and long walking routes.

UK and EU comparison table

Here’s a quick comparison that summarises how the rules differ for domestic and international courier driving.

Final thoughts

Understanding UK and EU driving hours rules helps you work safely, stay compliant and protect your income.

You can build a sustainable courier business by looking after your rest, tracking your hours and taking care of your equipment. This applies whether you’re running short local drops or long-distance international courier work. With healthy working habits, your van stays reliable, your schedule stays manageable and your courier work stays profitable over time.

If you’re growing your business, you might also think about fleet insurance, long-term maintenance costs, and planning ahead for peak seasons. Build healthy working routines early and you’ll be ready for more demanding routes, larger contracts and busier schedules.

Staying safe and confident in your work helps you win more same day courier loads and strengthens your reputation as a reliable courier.

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