Long-haul truck drivers are essential to a successful global supply chain with driving hour limits rules. Fleet managers must ensure the safety of their cargo, vehicle acquisition, and operational costs while meeting tight delivery deadlines.
The pressure to travel quickly from one location to another to maximise profit for many fleet companies and their income can lead to cutting back on necessary rest times. That is why there are laws for driving hour limits to ensure truck drivers get the needed rest before returning behind the wheel.
What are the Driving Hour Limits per NHVR Rules?
Fleet drivers in Australia are subject to driving hour limits as per National Heavy Vehicle Regulator (NHVR) rules designed to create a safe atmosphere and reduce fatigue while driving. The hours of service apply to those who drive heavily laden trucks with over 12 tonnes of gross vehicle mass (GVM) or buses with over 12 passengers.
Under standard hours, fleet drivers can work up to 12 hours in 24 hours, including driving and other work-related tasks. However, such work must include a rest break.
Specifically, a driver must take a 15-minute break after five hours and 30 minutes of work and a 30-minute break within eight hours. A driver must rest for at least seven continuous hours within 24 hours.
Weekly restrictions limit driving and working time to 72 hours within seven consecutive days, ensuring drivers’ recovery time from fatigue. In a two-week week, the maximum increases to 144 hours of driving in 14 straight days.
Driving regulations require a 15-minute break after working for 5 hours and 30 minutes and a 30-minute break within under 8 hours. There should also be a continuous rest period of at least seven hours within 24 hours.
The weekly driving hour limits will cap the driving and working time at a maximum of 72 hours per week or seven consecutive days for the fleet driver while allowing adequate rest. For example, in a two-week cycle, a truckie will be allowed a maximum of 144 hours over the course of 14 straight days.
Read More: Compelling Reasons Why You Need a Fleet Management System
Driving Hour Limits for Different Fleet Carriers
Different fleet carriers can drive up to 11 hours daily. However, they must take ten consecutive hours off before driving again, as per the NHVR driving hour limits.
Additionally, truck drivers can only drive a maximum of 60 hours in seven consecutive days or 70 hours in eight straight days. Furthermore, they must take 34 consecutive hours off before resuming their duty.
The 11-Hour Driving Limit
The 11-hour driving limit requires fleet drivers to rest after 8 hours of straight driving. After eight hours of driving, the driver must stop and rest for at least 30 minutes before continuing their journey. This break should allow the driver to rest and recuperate before continuing their journey.
The 14-Hour Driving Window
The 14-hour window for driving your truck has a time limit of 14 hours. You must have previously rested for ten consecutive hours to be eligible for that. Once you have reached the 14-hour mark, you must take a 10-hour break, even if you have only driven for 11 hours.
The 60/70 Hour Duty Limit
The 60/70 Hour Duty Limit is a regulation that limits how much time a CDL driver can be on the road in a given week. A driver can drive up to 60 hours during seven days or 70 hours during eight days, after which they must take a 34-hour break to start the clock again.
The Role of Driver Hour Limits in Reducing Road Accidents
The driving hour limits for truck drivers are an essential safety regulation. They help ensure that drivers only operate their vehicles briefly, putting themselves and other drivers at risk.
The driving hour limits for truck drivers in Australia have improved the safety of roads and highways. They also reduce fatigue-related accidents and have many other benefits.
These regulations are in place to protect truckies and other road users. It is essential to remember to follow them to ensure everyone’s safety.
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