From 21 April 2025, the DVSA will enforce new HGV drivers hours rules changes, primarily affecting international operators. While domestic journeys remain unaffected, those crossing borders must follow AETR rules, retain 56 days of tachograph data, and ensure vehicles are fitted with Smart Tachograph 2.0. Are UK fleets ready for these critical updates?
What Are the 2025 DVSA HGV Drivers Hours Rules Changes?
The Driver and Vehicle Standards Agency (DVSA) has confirmed that significant updates to drivers’ hours regulations will come into force on Monday, 21 April 2025.
These changes are part of the UK’s effort to meet obligations under the UK/EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement while aligning with the European Agreement Concerning the Work of Crews of Vehicles Engaged in International Road Transport (AETR).
These updates primarily target operators involved in international haulage, particularly those travelling to or from the EU and non-EU countries. The changes aim to improve safety, enhance data collection, and clarify the legal framework following Brexit.
While vehicles operating solely within the UK are not affected, international operators must prepare for new compliance measures, including extended record-keeping, adoption of AETR rules, and tachograph upgrades.
What Are the New Daily and Weekly Driving Limits for HGV Drivers?
The driving limits themselves have not changed significantly in 2025, but enforcement procedures and compliance requirements have been reinforced. These regulations are critical for monitoring driver fatigue, ensuring fair working conditions, and maintaining road safety.
Here’s a comparison of current limits under both UK/EU and AETR standards.
Comparison of Daily and Weekly Driving Limits
| Driving Time Regulations | UK/EU Rules | AETR Rules (International) |
| Daily Driving Limit | 9 hours (extendable to 10 twice weekly) | Same |
| Weekly Driving Limit | 56 hours | Same |
| Fortnightly Driving Limit | 90 hours | Same |
| Daily Rest Requirement | 11 hours (can be reduced to 9 hours 3x between weekly rests) | Same |
| Weekly Rest Requirement | 45 hours (reducible to 24 hours every other week) | Same |
The core parameters remain largely consistent to ensure continuity and familiarity. However, new changes in enforcement, exemptions, and data handling are significant for those operating internationally.
How Will the DVSA Enforce the New Drivers Hours Rules in 2025?
DVSA’s updated enforcement measures for 2025 include changes in how long records must be retained and the level of scrutiny drivers and operators can expect, particularly during international inspections.
Previously, drivers were required to keep 28 days of tachograph records, but under the new system, this requirement doubles to 56 days for international journeys.
This regulation applies to:
- Digital tachograph data
- Analogue tachograph charts
- Any manually recorded driver hours
This change aims to provide DVSA and enforcement bodies across Europe and beyond with better historical data to assess patterns, uncover violations, and ensure consistent compliance. Importantly, failure to produce the required records can result in substantial fines, licence suspension, and even legal action.
Operators will also be expected to perform internal audits of drivers’ hours, maintain up-to-date record-keeping protocols, and prepare for remote roadside checks enabled by Smart Tachograph 2.0.
What Has Changed in Tachograph Rules and Technology Requirements?
The introduction of Smart Tachograph 2.0 represents a major technological advancement in the way driver hours and rest periods are monitored. These devices are mandatory for most international HGVs under the 2025 regulations.
Timeline for Tachograph Compliance
| Vehicle Type or Condition | Compliance Deadline |
| Vehicles currently fitted with Smart Tachograph 1 | 18 August 2025 |
| Vehicles between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes GVW (international use) | 1 July 2026 |
| New vehicles registered after 2023 | Already required to use Smart Tachograph 2.0 |
Smart Tachograph 2.0 devices are capable of:
- Automatically recording border crossings
- Capturing real-time location data
- Transmitting key driving and rest data to enforcement authorities remotely
This allows enforcement officers to identify violations without stopping the vehicle, streamlining inspections and increasing efficiency.
In addition to hardware upgrades, DVSA guidance is being revised to replace all references to EU law with assimilated drivers’ hours rules, and to include a clearer definition of “goods” for regulatory clarity.
How Will the Rule Changes Affect HGV Operators and Drivers?
For HGV operators conducting domestic-only journeys, there is no change to the existing drivers’ hours rules. However, international operators are significantly affected.
They must now ensure:
- All drivers are trained and familiar with AETR rules
- Vehicles are equipped with Smart Tachograph 2.0
- Drivers carry 56 days of valid records at all times when crossing borders
AETR rules are similar to UK/EU regulations in structure but differ in certain exceptions and allowances. For example, unlike EU rules, AETR does not permit:
- Interrupting a driver’s weekly rest period
- Returning to the driver’s base or residence within a given timeframe
- Adjusting rest requirements due to unforeseen circumstances
These subtle but important differences could lead to unintentional breaches if not fully understood.
Additionally, operators are reminded that vehicles registered outside the UK and EU are also subject to these rules if they enter UK territory on international journeys.
Regulatory Differences: AETR vs EU Rules
| Regulation Area | EU/UK Rules | AETR Rules |
| Rest interruption allowance | Permitted in certain cases | Not allowed |
| Return-to-base requirement | Mandated | Not required |
| Weekly rest accommodation standards | Specific requirements | Not mandated |
| Data production | 28 days | 56 days |
| Regulation reference language | EU legal terminology | International legal terminology |
Operators should update internal compliance documents and processes to account for these legal shifts.
How Do the UK’s HGV Drivers Hours Rules Differ from EU Regulations?
Post-Brexit, the UK retained most EU regulations regarding drivers’ hours and tachograph usage. However, differences continue to emerge, particularly around cross-border operations and legal terminology.
For example, even though the UK is no longer an EU member, drivers must still comply with EU rules when:
- Operating within the EU
- Travelling to or from EU member states
- Passing through EU territory during international journeys
Key EU requirements include:
- A maximum of 9 hours daily driving, extendable to 10 hours twice per week
- No more than 56 hours per week
- No more than 90 hours over any two consecutive weeks
- Mandatory 11 hours of daily rest, reducible to 9 hours three times between weekly rests
- A 45-minute break after 4.5 hours of driving
Operators involved in both EU and AETR regions must take special care to understand which rules apply based on geography, vehicle registration, and trip type.
What Should Fleet Managers Do to Prepare for Compliance?
Fleet managers need to take a strategic and structured approach to ensure compliance with the updated DVSA and AETR regulations before the enforcement date of 21 April 2025.
This includes:
- Reviewing and updating training materials to cover AETR requirements
- Ensuring that tachograph systems are compliant with Smart Tachograph 2.0 specifications
- Increasing record retention protocols to include 56 days of driving and rest data
- Performing internal audits of driver schedules, working time, and vehicle maintenance logs
- Updating contracts, HR policies, and driver manuals to reflect legal terminology and procedural changes
Advanced planning is vital. Failure to comply not only risks legal penalties but can also disrupt operations and damage reputation within the industry.
What Are the Key Takeaways from the DVSA HGV Hours Rules Changes?
The DVSA’s 2025 updates are not merely a regulatory formality—they are an essential evolution of the UK’s transport compliance framework in response to new international obligations and technological advancements.
Key takeaways include:
- Drivers operating only within the UK will not be affected by these changes
- International HGV drivers must follow AETR regulations
- Tachograph record retention increases from 28 to 56 days
- Smart Tachograph 2.0 becomes mandatory by August 2025 or July 2026 depending on vehicle type
- DVSA enforcement will include remote roadside inspections via automated data collection
Operators are advised to make preparations well in advance of the implementation dates to ensure full readiness.
FAQs About DVSA HGV Drivers Hours Rules Changes
When do the 2025 DVSA HGV drivers hours changes take effect?
The new regulations come into effect on Monday, 21 April 2025, with tachograph retrofit deadlines extending into August 2025 and July 2026.
Do the changes apply to UK-only journeys?
No. Vehicles operating entirely within the UK are not subject to these changes. The new rules apply only to international journeys.
What is the AETR, and why is it important?
The AETR is a European agreement governing the work of transport crews on international journeys. It sets legal standards for hours, rest periods, and data requirements, especially outside EU borders.
How will DVSA enforce the 56-day record requirement?
DVSA will use remote access technology from Smart Tachograph 2.0 devices and physical inspections at borders and roadside checks.
What happens if an operator fails to upgrade their tachograph by the deadline?
Operators could face penalties, vehicle prohibitions, and non-compliance sanctions during inspections.
Are there differences in accommodation rules for weekly rests under AETR?
Yes. Unlike EU law, AETR does not include specific standards for accommodation during weekly rest, providing more flexibility but also fewer protections.
Will Northern Ireland have separate guidance?
Yes. The DVSA has stated that guidance for Northern Ireland operators will be updated separately, reflecting its unique legal context.
