2026 Driving and Resting Times
The Definitive Guide to Regulation (EC) 561/2006 and Mobility Package I
2026 Critical Summary: Are you compliant?
In 2026, transport inspection in the European Union is 100% digital. With the mandatory second-generation smart tachograph (V2), errors in time calculation are detected via DSRC remote pre-selection. You no longer need to be pulled over for authorities to know if you've committed a very serious infringement.
Chapter 1: The Legal Framework of Road Transport in 2026
The regulation of driving and resting times is not arbitrary. It is based on three pillars: road safety, driver health, and fair competition between companies. Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 remains the industry's bible, but recent amendments through Regulation (EU) 2020/1054 (Mobility Package) have introduced nuances that every fleet manager must master.
In this scenario, the tachograph is no longer just a recorder; it is a legal sensor connected to the Galileo satellite constellation. Every second the vehicle moves without the correct "driving" or "work" activity is a discrepancy that feeds the company's Risk Rating (ERRU).
1.1. Scope of Application: Who is subject?
The rule applies to drivers of vehicles intended for the carriage of goods with a Maximum Authorized Mass (MAM) exceeding 3.5 tonnes (including trailers) and the carriage of passengers in vehicles with more than 9 seats. It is vital to remember that since July 2026, light commercial vehicles in international transport (over 2.5t) must also have a V2 tachograph installed and comply with these rules.
Chapter 2: Driving Times (Maximum Limits)
Monitoring driving times is the metric most closely watched by authorities. In 2026, the V2 smart tachograph automatically records border crossings, facilitating the control of cabotage and driving limits.
2.1. Daily Driving
The standard limit is 9 hours. However, this limit may be extended to 10 hours a maximum of twice a week (the period between 00:00 Monday and 24:00 Sunday). A common mistake is thinking that exceeding 10 hours can be compensated; regulations do not allow compensation for daily excess, only for reduced weekly rest.
2.2. Weekly and Bi-weekly Driving
The weekly limit is 56 hours. However, the actual control is performed through the bi-weekly limit: 90 hours in two consecutive weeks. If 56 hours are driven in the first week, only 34 hours may be driven in the second. This dynamic calculation is where our .DDD file analyzer software saves thousands of euros in accidental sanctions.
Chapter 3: Breaks and Interruptions to Driving
After a driving period of 4.5 hours, the driver must take an uninterrupted break of at least 45 minutes, unless they start a rest period.
3.1. Split Breaks
Regulations allow the 45-minute break to be split into two periods: the first of at least 15 minutes followed by a second period of at least 30 minutes (always in that order). Reversing the order (30+15) invalidates the break and generates a very serious infringement for lack of interruption.
In double crew situations, the break can be taken with the vehicle in motion under the condition of availability, a critical point detailed in our specific guide.
Summary of Driving and Break Limits (2026)
| Concept | Standard Limit | Exception/Nuance |
|---|---|---|
| Daily Driving | 9 Hours | 10h (twice/week) |
| Weekly Driving | 56 Hours | Absolute Maximum |
| Bi-weekly Driving | 90 Hours | Sum of two consecutive weeks |
| Mandatory Break | 45 Minutes | Splittable into 15' + 30' |
Chapter 4: Rest Periods (Daily and Weekly)
Rest is the pillar of driver recovery. Sanctions for reducing rest are the highest in the LOTT/ROTT scale.
4.1. Normal and Reduced Daily Rest
Normal daily rest must be at least 11 hours. Alternatively, a reduced rest of 9 hours can be taken (maximum 3 times between two weekly rests). There is also the option to split it into two periods (3h + 9h), totaling 12 hours.
4.2. Weekly Rest: The Mobility Package's Major Change
A normal weekly rest is 45 hours. A reduced rest is at least 24 hours. The 2026 updates include:
- Cabin Prohibition: The 45h rest cannot be taken in the truck.
- Driver Return: Obligation to organize work so the driver returns to their operational center or home every 4 weeks.
- Ferry and Train: Possibility to interrupt rest for embarkation (See Ferry Guide).
Chapter 5: Special Cases and OUT Mode
Not all vehicle movements count as driving under Regulation 561/2006. There are exception scenarios that must be correctly signaled using the OUT Mode function.
5.1. Out-of-Scope Driving
This applies to journeys in private areas closed to public traffic or exempt services (such as emergencies or road maintenance). Misusing OUT mode to cover up a lack of rest is one of the most pursued infringements in 2026 due to the V2 tachograph's new geolocation system.
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Chapter 6: Sanctions and the Honorability Index
Non-compliance with these times not only leads to financial fines (which can reach €4,001) but also affects the company's Risk Rating in the European register. An accumulation of serious driving time infringements can lead to the loss of honorability and, consequently, the revocation of the transport license.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) - 2026 Regulations
Technical Conclusion: Total Control is Possible
Mastering driving and resting times in 2026 requires more than just an Excel sheet. The complexity of the rule, combined with the V2 tachograph's satellite surveillance, demands the use of specialized software. At TachoTools, we transform the complex binary data of your .DDD files into clear, actionable information, ensuring your company not only complies with the law but optimizes every route to the fullest.