What about mandatory breaks for truck drivers?
Driving any vehicle is a big responsibility. A person must pay attention not only to his actions, but also to the events around him. It is therefore understandable that mandatory breaks are set for truck drivers who often travel the roads of Europe. What are the conditions and where can you spend such a mandatory break?
It is not about Czech laws, the rules for breaks for truck drivers are determined by Regulation (EC) No. 561/2006 for the EU and the AETR agreement for non-EU countries.
How often do trucks need to be shut down?
Three specific articles must be respected that determine how often drivers must tractors and stop the trucks and take a break.
Art. 7 on the security break
After 4,5 hours, the driver must take an uninterrupted break of at least 45 minutes. The equivalent is two breaks, one of at least 15 minutes and the other of 30 minutes.
Art. 8 on daily rest period and weekly rest period
One driver can choose an undivided or divided rest. Undivided means that he should have at least 24 hours of rest in a 11 hour period. Alternatively, at least 9 hours at a time, no more than three times between two weekly rest periods (see below). Divided rest means that you divide it into two rests in 24 hours, one of at least 3 hours at a time and the other at least 9 hours at a time.
In the case of two drivers, each of them must rest at least 30 hours in a row in a period of 9 hours.
At the same time, it must apply that in two consecutive weeks, the driver must have two regular weekly rest periods (the weekly rest period is 45 hours) or one weekly rest period and one shortened one of 24 hours, which is then equalized before the end of the third week.
Art. 6 on the duration of the proceedings
The driver must not dispatch more than 90 hours in two consecutive weeks. He may not work more than 56 hours per week. Between two daily or one daily and weekly rest, the driver may not drive for more than 9 hours (twice a week this interval can be extended to 10 hours).
Changes in exceptional situations
However, minor changes are planned for exceptional situations. For example, in case of blocked roads (mainly due to bad weather), it will be possible to use exceptions and a mandatory break for trucks and tractors not comply.
Where should drivers park their trucks during the mandatory break?
When drivers have a mandatory break in the middle of the journey, they most often spend it at rest stops. These are usually equipped with at least a toilet, or even a table where you can sit and eat. There may also be a shower, a rest area or free Wi-Fi, and there are often vending machines for drinks. At the better rest areas (especially abroad) we also find a lot of greenery, kiosks and restaurants. Some are also monitored XNUMX/XNUMX by a camera system - which drivers who need to sleep will surely appreciate.
If your break is near Prague, be sure to visit us at the TIR CENTRA. We have it right in our premises at exit 15 on the D1 highway parking lot with facilities for drivers. We offer showers, rest rooms and refreshments. Showers are free for parking spaces of 12 hectares or more. And we also sell beer.