How long can a bus driver drive at a time?

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Even if the relevant regulations on driving and rest times sometimes seem a bit complicated, the question of how long a bus driver is allowed to drive at a time is easy to answer. He may never drive longer than 4 1/2 hours without a break.

A break is compulsory after 4 1/2 hours.
A break is compulsory after 4 1/2 hours.

How long bus drivers can drive at a time

In the EU, the EU regulation 561/2006on 11. April 2007 came into force.

  • You can see how long a bus driver is allowed to drive at a time under the keyword driving time. This is given as a maximum of 9 hours a day, twice in a week it can also be 10 hours. But it also clearly states that after 4 1/2 hours he has to take a 45 minute break. The driving time can also be interrupted twice, in which case the first break must be 15 minutes and the second 30 minutes.
  • The driver is not allowed to work during these breaks, it is used for recreation. When traveling by bus, a city tour or a museum visit is often planned in such a way that the driver can take his break in the bus during this time. Now I am sure you understand why he doesn’t call.
  • By the way: Even if you have been stuck in a traffic jam for a long time on the bus, this is driving time. 45 minutes in a traffic jam is no substitute for a break. The same applies to traffic lights and level crossings.

What the driver is allowed to do and what is not 

  • In one week he can drive up to 56 hours, but in two consecutive weeks a maximum of 90 hours.
    • The driving and rest times - drivers have to pay attention to this

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  • He must observe a daily rest period of 11 hours, but three times a week this can be reduced to 9 hours. If the time is divided, it must be 12 hours, then he can rest for 3 hours and at a later point in time 9 hours. The characteristic of the rest period is that the driver can dispose of the time freely. Sleeping in a moving vehicle is not one of them, but in a standing one it is, provided a corresponding cabin is available.
  • A bus driver must have a rest period of at least 45 hours once a week. There are some exceptions here. But none of the rules exempt the bus driver from having to take a break after 4 1/2 hours, no matter how rested he is behind the wheel. When it comes to the question of how long he can drive in a row, the answer is always 4 1/2 hours.

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