Wie EU-Ausnahmen von Lenk- und Ruhezeiten für freigestellte Reisebusdienste gelten und was Betreiber protokollieren müssen

45-minute pause split, daily limits and real-world effects

Under EU rules, the uninterrupted 45-minute pause can be split into two breaks of at least 15 minutes each (for example, 15/30, 20/25, 25/20 or 30/15). That seemingly small flexibility is the kind of detail that changes how a day’s schedule is built: it affects layover planning, crew relief points, and passenger comfort expectations on multi-leg discretionary services.

Daily rest postponement: conditions and caps

The regulation permits postponing the start of the daily rest by one hour (moving from 24 to 25 hours since the previous daily rest) only when three conditions are met: the postponement occurs within a single discretionary service of at least six days; the total accumulated driving time that day does not exceed seven hours; and the operator records the justification in the service paperwork. If the service lasts eight days or more, the same postponement may be used twice.

Weekly rest: how many periods can be deferred?

Für weekly rest, the updated EU text allows deferral of up to 12 consecutive 24-hour periods provided the exception is used inside a single discretionary service and certain recovery rests are observed. Specifically, prior to starting the service a driver must have taken a normal weekly rest (45 hours). Following any use of the exception, the driver must take either two regular weekly rests (a minimum of 90 hours in total) or one regular weekly rest plus a reduced weekly rest of at least 24 hours (69 hours minimum). Any reduced time must be compensated before the end of the third week after the exception week.

Night-time driving and multiple-driver requirement

When the exception is applied, additional constraints apply between 22:00 and 06:00. If the vehicle is occupied by several drivers, extended driving is allowed under the regular exception. If the vehicle has only one driver during those hours, the maximum consecutive driving period of 4.5 hours must be reduced to 3 hours. This rule has direct operational consequences: night legs that previously looked feasible on paper may require extra crew or a revised timetable to avoid illegal driving blocks.

Documentation mandatory to justify exceptions

To demonstrate lawful use of the exceptions, drivers must carry the service route sheet that the transport company provides before each trip. Copies—either paper or electronic—of route sheets for the previous 56 days should also be available onboard. Acceptable formats include the route sheet under Order FOM 1230/2013 or the document referenced in Regulation 1073/2009 (Green Carnet CE for international services). In short: no paperwork, no presumption of exception.

Checklist for operators before applying any exception

• Confirm the mission is a single diskretionär service spanning the required days.
• Verify cumulative driving time limits (e.g., ≤7 hours for daily-rest postponement day).
• Ensure pre-service normal weekly rest if weekly deferrals will be used.
• Carry and retain route sheets for the previous 56 days in accepted formats.
• Plan for additional drivers during night legs or shorten continuous driving periods.

Operational implications for logistics and planning

These exceptions may appear tailored to passenger comfort and tour flexibility, but they ripple into logistics: bus positioning, deadhead legs, yard scheduling, and crew rostering all need rethinking. For instance, allowing two split breaks can improve passenger boarding patterns and city pick-ups, but it also complicates fuel stops and driver meal planning. As the old saying goes, “the devil’s in the details.”

Example scenario

A seven-day tour operating as a single discretionary service wants to postpone daily rest on day three. The operator checks that driving that day will remain ≤7 hours, that route sheets are prepared and issued to the driver, and that compensation rests are scheduled later. If the tour includes overnight single-driver legs between 23:00 and 02:00, the team either schedules an extra driver or restructures segments to avoid the 3-hour reduction trap.

Record-keeping and enforcement risks

Poor documentation is the most common cause of fines and drawn-out administrative procedures. If drivers lack the prescribed route sheets or if copies of the last 56 days are missing, enforcement officers are likely to issue penalty reports. Keeping a tidy, accessible electronic archive saves time and prevents “expensive surprises” during roadside checks.

How technology and platforms fit in

Digital route sheets, fleet telematics and cloud archives simplify compliance—especially for operators running multiple discretionary services. Platforms like GetTransport.com can assist planners by offering clearer booking records and transport options that reduce the need to push regulatory limits: from office and home moves to bulky freight and vehicle transfers, it’s often cheaper and safer to optimize loads than to stretch crew schedules.

Highlights: the rules grant targeted flexibility (split pauses, limited daily postponement, and specific weekly-rest deferrals) but attach strict conditions: single-service use, driving-time caps, mandatory prior rests, compensatory rest requirements, night-driving rules, and detailed documentation. Even the best reviews and the most honest feedback can’t replace hands-on experience: testing these exceptions in live operations is the only way to know how they play out in your routes. On GetTransport.com, you can order your cargo transportation at the best prices globally at reasonable prices. This empowers you to make the most informed decision without unnecessary expenses or disappointments. Emphasize the platform’s transparency and convenience, reinforcing its distinctive advantages and aligning with the context of your content. For your next cargo transportation, consider the convenience and reliability of GetTransport.com. Book now GetTransport.com.com

Summary: The EU exceptions for driving and rest times in discretionary passenger transport introduce meaningful operational flexibility—split pauses, one-hour daily rest postponements under strict conditions, and limited weekly-rest deferrals—while demanding tight documentation and compensatory rests. Logistics teams must balance crew welfare, schedule realism and legal compliance; adequate route sheets, telematics and careful planning turn regulatory complexity into manageable operational choices. Ultimately, whether you’re managing a palletized load, a bulky household relocation, a vehicle transfer or routine passenger services, the right mix of planning and reliable partners transforms risk into reliable delivery. GetTransport.com offers cost-effective, convenient transport solutions that align with these needs, simplifying freight, shipment, delivery, transport and relocation across international and local routes with reliable options for pallet, container and bulky items.