How Many Hours Can Long-Haul Truck Drivers Legally Drive?

The working hours of long-haul truck drivers are regulated by law to ensure both road safety and driver well-being. In Türkiye and across international road transport, these rules are governed by the Highway Traffic Regulations and the AETR (European Agreement Concerning the Work of Crews of Vehicles Engaged in International Road Transport).

Modern long-haul trucks such as the Volvo FH, Scania R Series, and DAF XF are equipped with digital tachographs, which automatically record driving times, rest periods, and other driver activities.

So, how many hours can a long-haul truck driver legally drive?

Maximum Continuous Driving Time

A long-haul truck driver may drive for a maximum of:

• 4.5 consecutive hours

After this period, the driver must take:

• At least a 45-minute break

How Can the 45-Minute Break Be Taken?

The mandatory break may be taken in one uninterrupted period of 45 minutes, or it can be divided into two separate breaks.

For example:

• First break: 15 minutes

• Second break: 30 minutes

However, the total break time must be at least 45 minutes.

Daily Driving Limit

A driver may drive:

• Up to 9 hours per day

However:

• The daily driving limit may be extended to 10 hours, but only twice within a single week.

Weekly Driving Limit

The total driving time within one week may not exceed:

• 56 hours

Two-Week Driving Limit

Over any consecutive two-week period, the total driving time must not exceed:

• 90 hours

This rule is particularly important in international freight transportation.

Daily Rest Requirement

Drivers must take:

• At least 11 consecutive hours of daily rest within every 24-hour period

Under certain conditions, this daily rest period may be divided in accordance with applicable regulations.

Why Is the Digital Tachograph Important?

A digital tachograph automatically records:

• Driving time

• Breaks and rest periods

• Driver activities

• Working hours

It also helps authorities detect violations of driving-time regulations.

Exceeding the legal limits can result in penalties.

What Happens If the Rules Are Violated?

Failure to comply with driving and rest-time regulations may result in:

• Fines for the driver

• Penalties for the transport company

• Inspection of tachograph records by enforcement authorities

In addition, driving while fatigued significantly increases the risk of serious traffic accidents.

Why Do These Regulations Exist?

Driving for extended periods without sufficient rest can:

• Slow reaction times

• Reduce concentration

• Increase the risk of fatigue and falling asleep

For heavy commercial vehicles, these risks are even greater because:

• Braking distances are much longer.

• Large trucks require more time and distance to avoid hazards.

Are International Regulations More Strict?

Yes.

In many European countries:

• Digital tachograph inspections are frequent.

• Driver rest periods are closely monitored.

Violations can result in:

• Significant financial penalties

• Additional sanctions against transport companies

Conclusion

Under current regulations, long-haul truck drivers may legally drive:

• A maximum of 4.5 consecutive hours

• Up to 9 hours per day (extendable to 10 hours twice per week)

• No more than 56 hours per week

• No more than 90 hours over two consecutive weeks

Additionally, drivers are required to:

• Take a 45-minute break after every 4.5 hours of driving

• Have at least 11 hours of daily rest

Thanks to the digital tachograph system, all driving and rest periods are automatically recorded and can be inspected by enforcement authorities, helping improve road safety and reduce accidents caused by driver fatigue.