The Ferry and Train Rule 2026
Master Guide: Interrupting Daily and Reduced Weekly Rest
Fined for interrupting rest? Avoid the common mistake
Many drivers are sanctioned with fines of up to €2,000 for moving the truck during embarkation or disembarkation without correctly activating the specific function on the V2 tachograph. In 2026, GNSS satellite precision detects any unjustified movement.
- ✅ The Golden Rule: You can only interrupt the rest a maximum of 2 times.
- ✅ Time Limit: The total duration of interruptions (boarding + exiting) cannot exceed 60 minutes.
- ✅ Critical Requirement: You must have access to a bunk or couchette during the journey for the rest to be valid.
Chapter 1: Legal Framework for Rest Interruption (Art. 9 Regulation 561/2006)
The so-called "Ferry Rule" is a legal exception designed to add flexibility to the rigidity of uninterrupted rests. In a normal context, any movement of the vehicle during a daily rest completely invalidates it. However, when the journey involves the use of a ferry or a train, European regulations allow a technical exception to facilitate multimodal logistics.
With the Mobility Package I update, this rule applies not only to normal daily rest (11 hours) but has also been extended under very specific conditions to reduced weekly rest. Understanding this distinction is vital for routes connecting mainland Europe with the UK, Ireland, or Scandinavia in 2026.
1.1. The V2 Tachograph and Automatic Ferry Recording
On the new second-generation smart tachograph, the "Ferry/Train" function must be manually activated before performing the first boarding movement. The device marks a "specific event" in the .DDD file. If the GNSS detects the vehicle is over the sea (movement without engine or maritime positioning) but the driver did not activate the function, the data consistency will fail, triggering a serious infringement alert during the next inspection.
Chapter 2: Technical Requirements for Rest Validity
For a transport inspector to accept a rest interruption for a ferry, three concurrent requirements must be met. The lack of just one of them turns the period into "uninterrupted driving."
2.1. Access to a bed or bunk
Being on board is not enough. The driver must have physical access to a bed or bunk. In the case of ferries, this is usually justified by the shipping company ticket specifying the cabin. In 2026, inspectors are recurrently requesting these tickets to cross-reference them with the times recorded on the tachograph. If the ticket is for a "seat" (Pullman), the rest is not legally valid.
2.2. The 60-Minute Limitation
The total time spent on the maneuvers to enter and exit the ferry/train cannot exceed one hour. This time includes starting the engine, waiting on the ramp, and final parking. If the port is congested and the maneuver lasts 61 minutes, the 11-hour rest (or 9h in reduced weekly) is considered broken.
Chapter 3: Application in Weekly Rest (2026 Updates)
This is where most companies make mistakes. The ferry rule is applied differently depending on the type of rest.
3.1. Reduced Weekly Rest
Since the entry into force of the Mobility Package, a driver accompanying a vehicle transported by ferry or train may interrupt their reduced weekly rest (minimum 24 hours) following the same rules as daily rest.
3.2. Normal Weekly Rest (Prohibition)
Attention: Normal weekly rest (45 hours or more) CANNOT be interrupted under the ferry rule if the goal is to comply with the uninterrupted rest regulations outside the cabin. The only exception is if the ferry journey lasts the total duration of the rest and a cabin is available, but in practice, European inspections are extremely strict on this point to avoid fraud.
Interruption Matrix: 2026 Ferry Rule
| Type of Rest | Can it be interrupted? | Max. No. of Interruptions | Max. Total Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Normal Daily Rest (11h) | YES | 2 | 60 Minutes |
| Split Daily Rest (3h+9h) | YES (only the 9h period) | 2 | 60 Minutes |
| Reduced Weekly Rest (24h+) | YES | 2 | 60 Minutes |
| Normal Weekly Rest (45h+) | NO | 0 | - |
Chapter 4: Correct Procedure on the V2 Tachograph
To ensure TachoTools or any analysis software does not flag a non-existent infringement, the driver must follow this technical protocol:
- Port Arrival: The driver must be in "Rest" mode while waiting in the queue.
- Ferry Activation: Just before moving the vehicle to enter the ship, select in the tachograph menu: Vehicle entry -> Start Ferry/Train.
- Entry Maneuver: Driving time will be recorded, but the algorithm will know it belongs to the interruption.
- During the Journey: The tachograph must remain in "Rest" mode. It is not necessary to "close" the ferry function; the system ends it automatically upon detecting continuous driving after disembarkation or when closing the rest period.
Chapter 5: Sanctions for Ferry/Train Mismanagement
Sanctions associated with the ferry rule are usually not because of the time, but the manner of execution.
5.1. The Sanctioning Scale
If the 60-minute limit is exceeded or 3 interruptions are made, the inspector will consider the daily rest as not having taken place. This leads to a sanction for "Reduction of daily rest" which, depending on the percentage of missing time, can range between €401 and €2,000. Furthermore, it entails the loss of honorability for the transport manager if the lack exceeds 50% of the required time.
Doubts about your sea routes?
TachoTools automatically analyzes if your ferry interruptions comply with Regulation 561/2006.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) on the Ferry Rule
Technical Conclusion: Precision as a Defense
The ferry and train rule in 2026 is an ally for international transport efficiency, but it leaves no room for gross errors. The extreme digitalization of the V2 tachograph means every minute counts. Using pre-inspection tools like TachoTools allows companies to detect these 60-minute errors before administration finds them in a routine check.