EU Regulation 561/2006 (driving & rest times)
EU Regulation 561/2006 sets the rules for professional drivers’ daily and weekly driving times, breaks, and rest periods to improve road safety and working conditions.
What is EU Regulation 561/2006 (driving & rest times)?
The regulation limits how long drivers may drive before taking breaks and rest, capping daily and weekly driving and mandating minimum rest. Compliance is monitored via the tachograph and enforced across the EU. Breaching the rules risks fines and safety incidents.
A TMS helps by tracking each driver’s remaining driving and rest time and by factoring these limits into route optimisation so plans are legal before a wheel turns.
Frequently asked questions
What are the main limits under EU 561/2006?
In general terms, the rules cap daily and weekly driving, require a break after a set period of driving, and mandate minimum daily and weekly rest. The exact figures and exemptions are detailed in the regulation; always consult the current official text for compliance.
How can software help with driving-time compliance?
A TMS can track remaining driving and rest time per driver and build it into route planning, so trips are scheduled within legal limits. Transportial also offers a free driving-time calculator.
See EU Regulation 561/2006 (driving & rest times) in a real TMS
Transportial puts these concepts to work in one operational platform — planning, tracking, documents, and finance.