Understand the derogation from driving and rest time regulations in Portugal and Spain, to make the most of this period, which applies on specific dates in each country.
Period of validity in the EU: depending on the country in question
PORTUGAL: Derogations (changes) to driving and rest time regulations in Portugal
Derogations (changes) have been made to driving and rest times, permitted for the period between 6 February 2024 and 18 February 2024. These changes apply to drivers of vehicles transporting all types of goods in Portugal.
Portugal makes use of the prerogative laid down in Article 14(2) of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 of 15 March, derogating from some of the rules laid down in this piece of legislation:
- Derogation from Article 6(1): replacement of the maximum daily driving limit of 9h00 by one of 11h00;
- Derogation from Article 6(2): replacement of the maximum weekly driving time of 56 hours by 60 hours;
- Derogation from Article 6(3): replacement of the maximum accumulated driving time during any two consecutive weeks from 90h00 to 102h00;
- Derogation from Article 8(1): reduction of daily rest requirements from 11h00 to 9h00;
- Derogation from Article 8(6): reduction of the weekly rest period, with the possibility of taking two consecutive reduced weekly breaks of at least 24 hours, provided they are taken in compensation, together with the next normal weekly rest period; or the possibility of postponing the start of the weekly rest period beyond six 24-hour periods.
SPAIN: Derogations (changes) to driving and rest time regulations in Spain
Derogations (changes) have been made to driving and rest times, permitted for the period between 22 January 2024 and 02 April 2024. These changes apply to drivers of vehicles transporting all types of goods in Spain.
Spain makes use of the prerogative laid down in Article 14(2) of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 of 15 March, derogating from some of the rules laid down in this piece of legislation:
- Derogation from Article 6(1): replacement of the maximum daily driving limit of 9h00 by one of 11h00;
- Derogation from Article 6(2): replacement of the maximum weekly driving time of 56 hours by 60 hours;
- Derogation from Article 6(3): replacement of the maximum accumulated driving time during any two consecutive weeks from 90h00 to 102h00;
- Derogation from Article 8(1): reduction of daily rest requirements from 11h00 to 9h00;
- Derogation from Article 8(6): reduction of the weekly rest period, with the possibility of taking two consecutive reduced weekly breaks of at least 24 hours, provided they are taken in compensation, together with the next normal weekly rest period; or the possibility of postponing the start of the weekly rest period beyond six 24-hour periods.
GENERAL: Derogations (changes) to driving and rest time regulations
To access the document with all the derogations since 2021, including the latest ones mentioned in this text, click on the button below: