EU vs GB Domestic Driving Rules: What Applies to Your Operation?

If you're operating a commercial vehicle in the UK, you're legally required to follow rules on driving hours and rest periods — but which rules apply to you: EU drivers’ hours or GB Domestic Rules?

Understanding the difference is crucial for small business owners, owner-operators, and Restricted Operator Licence holders. Getting it wrong could lead to costly penalties, vehicle seizures, or even a Public Inquiry.

This post will explain:

• The key differences between EU and GB Domestic driving rules

• Who each set of rules applies to

• When you might switch between them

• Record-keeping requirements for both

• How to stay compliant

Let’s clear up the confusion.

Why Are There Two Sets of Driving Rules?

The UK has historically followed the EU Drivers’ Hours Regulation (EC) 561/2006, but it also has its own domestic legislation — the Transport Act 1968 — which defines GB Domestic Rules.

Whether you follow EU or GB rules depends on:

• The weight and type of your vehicle

• Whether you drive internationally

• The purpose and location of your operations

• Any relevant exemptions

1. The EU Driving Rules – Overview

The EU rules are the most detailed and stringent. They apply to:

✅ Most goods vehicles over 3.5 tonnes MAM used for commercial purposes

✅ Vehicles used internationally (e.g., cross-border operations in or into the EU)

✅ Domestic journeys within the UK when not exempt

🔹 Key Rules:

Rule	Detail
Daily driving limit	Max 9 hours, extendable to 10 hours twice a week
Weekly driving limit	Max 56 hours
Fortnightly driving limit	Max 90 hours over two weeks
Breaks	45 minutes after 4.5 hours driving (can be split)
Daily rest	Min 11 hours (can be reduced to 9 hours max 3x per week)
Weekly rest	45 consecutive hours, can be reduced to 24h with conditions

🔹 Tachograph Required?

✅ Yes, vehicles must be fitted with a digital tachograph (or analogue if pre-2006).Drivers must use a driver card and download data regularly.

2. The GB Domestic Driving Rules – Overview

These apply to certain vehicles used only within Great Britain (England, Scotland, Wales) and which are exempt from EU rules.

GB Domestic Rules typically apply to:

✅ Vehicles not exceeding 3.5t MAM

✅ Exempt vehicles (e.g., certain construction, forestry, agricultural, utility or 100km radius exemptions)

✅ Some passenger services not covered by EU regs

🔹 Key Rules for Goods Vehicles:

Rule	Detail
Daily driving limit	10 hours
Duty limit	11 hours (if operating under a Schedule 1 exemption)
Breaks	No driving for more than 5.5 hours without a break of 30 minutes or two breaks totalling 30 minutes
Rest	Not legally defined — but Health & Safety law applies
Tachograph required?	❌ No — but duty records must be kept

3. Quick Comparison Table

Category	EU Rules	GB Domestic Rules
Applies to	Vehicles over 3.5t MAM (usually)	Vehicles exempt from EU regs
Daily driving limit	9 hrs (10 hrs twice/week)	10 hrs
Breaks	45 min after 4.5 hrs	30 min after 5.5 hrs
Daily rest	Min 11 hrs	Not defined
Weekly driving	56 hrs	Not specified
Tachograph required	✅ Yes	❌ No
Record keeping	Digital tacho + data download	Manual driver records/log books

4. Which Rules Apply to My Operation?

Ask yourself these questions:

🚚 Is your vehicle over 3.5t MAM?

• If yes, EU rules may apply — especially if not exempt.

🌍 Are you travelling outside Great Britain?

• If you’re crossing into Northern Ireland, Republic of Ireland, or mainland Europe, you must follow EU rules, regardless of exemptions.

🔁 Are you operating only within 100km of your base?

• You may qualify for GB rules if other exemption conditions are met.

🏗️ Is your vehicle used in construction, forestry, agriculture, or utility sectors?

• You might be exempt from EU rules and covered by GB Domestic instead.

5. Mixed Operations – Switching Between Rules

Some operators run vehicles that fall under both EU and GB rules depending on the day or job.

For example:

• Monday: Delivering goods to local site under 100km — GB rules apply

• Wednesday: Transporting materials to a site 180km away — EU rules apply

✅ In such cases:

• Drivers must switch to tachograph use when under EU rules

• Operators must ensure proper rest periods before switching back

• Clear records should be kept for both types of operation

🚨 Failure to manage rule-switching is a common cause of non-compliance.

6. Record-Keeping Requirements

Under EU Rules:

• Digital tachograph required

• Driver card use is mandatory

• Download and store data every:

  • 90 days (vehicle units)

  • 28 days (driver cards)

• Store records for at least 12 months

Under GB Domestic Rules:

• Drivers must maintain a log book or duty record

• These can be paper-based or electronic

• Records must show:

  • Start/end times

  • Hours driven

  • Breaks taken

• Store records for 12 months

7. What If I Get It Wrong?

Failing to follow the correct set of rules can result in:

• Fixed penalties (up to £300 per offence)

• Prohibition notices

• Vehicle seizures

• Public Inquiry and loss of your Operator Licence

• Reputation damage with clients or insurers

Even accidental errors (e.g., failing to switch to EU rules when needed) can lead to enforcement action.

Real-World Examples

✅ Example 1: Local Builder

• Drives a 7.5t tipper within 60km carrying tools for personal use

• Rules applied? GB Domestic Rules (if tacho exemption applies)

✅ Example 2: Owner-Driver Courier

• Operates a 4.5t van delivering goods across the UK and sometimes into France

• Rules applied? EU Driving Rules (international + over 3.5t)

✅ Example 3: Agricultural Contractor

• Drives a tractor to haul hay within 100km

• Rules applied? GB Domestic or exempt entirely, depending on the setup

8. What Should I Do Next?

1. ✅ Audit your fleet – Know what vehicles are subject to which rules

2. ✅ Train drivers – Especially if switching between rule sets

3. ✅ Document everything – Route logs, exemption justifications, driver logs

4. ✅ Use planning tools – Even spreadsheets can help prevent overwork

5. ✅ Seek advice – Grey areas are common — don't guess

Conclusion

Whether EU or GB rules apply to your business depends on what, where, and how you operate. Understanding and correctly applying the right rules protects your business, keeps drivers safe, and ensures compliance with DVSA and Traffic Commissioner expectations.

⚙️ Up next: How to Analyse Digital Tachograph Data (Without Expensive Software) – a practical guide for small businesses to stay compliant without breaking the bank.

If you’re unsure which rules apply to you, get in touch for a free compliance assessment or download our simple Driver Hours Rule Checker Tool.