Drivers' hours · 3 min read · Updated
GB domestic drivers' hours rules explained
The GB domestic rules cover certain goods journeys made wholly in Great Britain that are out of EU scope. The limits are 10 hours driving and 11 hours on duty in a working day, with records kept. If a vehicle is in EU scope for any part of a day, the EU rules apply for that whole day.
Not every journey falls under the EU drivers' hours rules. Some GB-only work runs under the separate GB domestic rules, which are simpler but still binding - and getting the two confused is a common way operators end up non-compliant without realising.
When the GB domestic rules apply
Broadly, the GB domestic rules cover certain goods-vehicle journeys made wholly within Great Britain that are out of scope of the EU rules - for example some short-radius work and specific exempt operations. If a vehicle is in scope of the EU rules for any part of a day, the EU rules apply for that whole day. When in doubt, assume the EU rules and check the exemption carefully before relying on GB domestic.
The two limits that matter
For goods vehicles under the GB domestic rules:
- Driving: a maximum of 10 hours in a day.
- Duty: a maximum of 11 hours on duty in a working day.
"Driving" is time at the wheel on a public road; "duty" is broader and includes other work. There is no EU-style structure of 4.5-hour breaks and 45-hour weekly rests, but drivers must not be a danger through fatigue, and the Working Time Regulations still apply on top.
Records
Drivers working to the GB domestic rules must keep records of their hours - a simple record book is common where no tachograph is fitted. Where a vehicle has a tachograph, using it is the cleaner way to evidence compliance. Keep the records available for inspection.
The exemptions catch people out
The exemptions (and the light goods and certain specialist operations that sit under GB domestic) are precise, and Traffic Commissioners take a dim view of operators who claim an exemption they do not qualify for. If your operation mixes EU and domestic work, the safest approach is to run everything to the stricter EU standard and record it properly.
How OperatorCompliance helps
OperatorCompliance analyses uploaded tachograph files against the drivers' hours and working-time rules and keeps the record trail per driver, so whichever regime a shift falls under, the evidence is captured and the download deadlines are tracked. See how it works or start a free 14-day trial.
This guide is general information, not legal advice. Check the current drivers' hours rules and exemptions on GOV.UK.
Frequently asked questions
When do the GB domestic rules apply instead of the EU rules?
The GB domestic rules cover certain goods-vehicle journeys made wholly within Great Britain that are out of scope of the assimilated EU rules, such as some short-radius and specific exempt operations. If a vehicle is in EU scope for any part of a day, the EU rules apply for that whole day, so check the exemption carefully.
What are the GB domestic driving and duty limits?
For goods vehicles under the GB domestic rules, driving is limited to 10 hours in a day and duty to 11 hours in a working day. Driving is time at the wheel on a public road; duty is broader and includes other work. There is no EU-style structure of 4.5-hour breaks and 45-hour weekly rests.
Do I have to keep records under the GB domestic rules?
Yes. Drivers working to the GB domestic rules must keep records of their hours, and a simple record book is common where no tachograph is fitted. Where a vehicle has a tachograph, using it is the cleaner way to evidence compliance. Keep the records available for inspection.
Do the Working Time Regulations apply under GB domestic rules?
Yes. The Road Transport (Working Time) Regulations still apply on top of the GB domestic driving and duty limits, and drivers must not be a danger through fatigue. If your operation mixes EU and domestic work, the safest approach is often to run everything to the stricter EU standard and record it properly.
Sources
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