New Driving and Rest Regulations for Professional Drivers Under AETR Agreement

Introduction to New Regulations

Recent updates in driving and rest regulations for professional drivers have been introduced with the AETR agreement, aiming to enhance working conditions. These changes are crucial as they reflect a broader commitment to worker safety and efficiency in international road transport.

Key Changes in Rest Periods and Driving Times

Among the most significant amendments pertain to the adjustments in Article 7 concerning breaks and Article 8 which outlines rest periods for drivers engaged in both freight and passenger transport.

Flexibility in Weekly Rest Periods

Driving professionals involved in international freight transport can now take two consecutive reduced weekly rest periods away from their company base, under the condition that they also complete at least four full weekly rest periods across four consecutive weeks, with a minimum of two being normal weekly rest periods.

Team Driving Regulations

For those participating in team driving, there’s newly granted flexibility that allows for a 45-minute break in a vehicle handled by another driver—provided the resting driver does not assist their partner during this time.

Mandatory Resting Facilities

It’s essential to note that normal weekly rest periods or longer compensatory breaks exceeding 45 hours must not be taken in a vehicle. Rather, these breaks are required to be enjoyed at a comfortable accommodation that caters to both genders, featuring appropriate sleeping and sanitary facilities. Furthermore, the costs associated with accommodations outside the vehicle will be borne by the employing transport company.

Return to Base Policy

Transport companies are now tasked with organizing drivers’ schedules such that they return to their operational base or residence at least once every four weeks. This ensures that drivers can properly enjoy their rest periods. In cases where two reduced weekly rest periods are taken consecutively, the transportation company must arrange for an earlier return before the commencement of the next normal weekly rest period.

Daily Rest Periods and Travel Exceptions

Those transporting goods via ferries or trains can now benefit from a normal daily rest period that must not be interrupted more than twice for non-driving activities. This limitation is essential because such interruptions should not exceed a total of one hour.

Special Considerations for Ferry and Train Transport

In scenarios where the vehicle is transported by ferry or train, the regulations specify that the driver must have access to sleeping accommodations during these journeys. However, for these exceptions to apply, the anticipated journey must last at least eight hours, with suitable sleeping arrangements being available.

Passenger Transport Flexibility

In passenger transport, several key relaxations have been integrated within the AETR agreement for ad hoc services:

• Divided Breaks: Drivers can now split the 45-minute pause into two shorter breaks of at least 15 minutes each during a driving period of 4.5 hours.
• Postponement of Daily Rest: There is an allowance to delay the daily rest by one hour. This can only be exercised during trips lasting over six days—provided this does not threaten road safety or the driver’s working conditions. Drivers can utilize this extension up to twice for travel lasting more than eight days.
• Extended International Transport Rule: A singular discretionary transport service can allow a driver to delay their weekly rest period for up to twelve days, after which they must complete two regular weekly rest periods, ensuring overall compliance with rest requirements.

Details of the AETR Signatory Countries

The countries that have ratified the AETR include all EU member states, EEA nations, and several others, including Albania, Andorra, Armenia, Belarus, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and many others across Europe and beyond. This broad acceptance indicates the importance of maintaining high standards of driver welfare and operational efficiency across different jurisdictions.

Impact on Logistics and Transportation

These adjustments not only stand to affect the working lives of drivers but also promise to enhance logistics management practices overall. Better-rested drivers lead to reduced accidents, improved delivery times, and more efficient cargo transport operations. Understanding these changes is crucial for logistics providers like GetTransport.com, which offers reliable and cost-effective transportation solutions globally.

Заключение

In summary, the new regulations under the AETR agreement aim to create a healthier work environment for professional drivers. The introduced flexibility in rest periods and guidelines for accommodation are notable strides towards better workplace standards. While reviews and feedback provide insights, individual experiences often paint a clearer picture of the changes’ effectiveness. For your next cargo transportation needs, consider the affordability and efficiency offered by GetTransport.com, which streamlines logistics and meets various transport requirements, ensuring everything from bulky furniture to delicate parcels is handled with care. Book your cargo transportation with GetTransport.com сегодня!