More vehicles exempt from EU hours rules

GB or domestic drivers’ hours rules apply to some 7.5-tonne and livestock transport vehicles, instead of EC drivers’ hours rules, from 2 March.

The changes are the result of new European tachograph law as set out in regulation EU 165/2014.

Currently, vehicles that travel no further than 50km from base, have a maximum weight of 7,500kg and are used to carry materials, equipment or machinery for the driver’s use in the course of their work and where driving is not the driver’s main activity are exempt from EU hours laws.

From 2 March, that radius is extended to 100 km.

The radius is also extended for vehicles of maximum weight 7,500kg that are used to carry goods, but are propelled by natural or liquefied gas, or electricity.

Vehicles used to carry live animals from farms to local markets or from markets to local farms or slaughterhouses will also see the exemption radius extend to 100 km.

Vehicles which are only used within the exemption will no longer be required to be fitted with tachographs.