In a sector as demanding as road transport, managing the working and rest time of professional drivers is one of the fundamental pillars to ensure not only road safety , but also compliance with legislation and operational efficiency . With increasingly strict rules imposed by the European Union and national authorities, transport companies face the constant challenge of avoiding infringements that can result in high fines , loss of reputation and compromised safety .
The truth is that a simple tachograph recording error or a poorly planned shift can turn into a serious offence. It is therefore essential to adopt practical and effective strategies to ensure that driving and rest times are respected – protecting drivers, company assets and legal compliance.
In this article, we explore the best strategies to avoid infractions related to working and rest times , and we show how technological solutions, such as Seeptrucker , can be true allies in the day-to-day activities of transport companies.
The importance of working and rest time management in the road sector
Correct management of working and rest time in road transport is much more than a legal obligation — it is a determining factor for road safety , the health of drivers and the good operational performance of companies.
When schedules are poorly planned, the risks increase considerably. Fatigue at the wheel is one of the main causes of accidents on the roads, and often occurs when drivers do not take adequate breaks or rest between shifts. In addition, a tired driver has slower reaction times, less ability to concentrate and is more likely to make critical errors.
From an organizational perspective, ignoring work and rest times can be costly. Violations related to non-compliance with these legal limits often result in heavy fines, administrative sanctions and even vehicle immobilization. In addition, they can tarnish the company’s reputation with customers, partners and regulatory authorities.
time management contributes to:
- Greater well-being and motivation for drivers;
- Reduction in costs related to fines, accidents and maintenance;
- Better logistical planning and compliance with deadlines ;
- Increased trust from customers and business partners.
The adoption of a clear policy of respecting legal limits, combined with technological tools to support decision-making, positions the company as responsible, sustainable and committed to quality.
Legal framework in Portugal and the European Union
The management of drivers’ working and rest time is strictly regulated at European and national level, with the aim of promoting road safety , preventing excessive fatigue and ensuring decent working conditions for professionals in the sector.
Regulation (EC) No 561/2006: The European legal basis
The main legal reference in this matter is Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 , which establishes the rules relating to:
- Maximum daily and weekly driving time ;
- To mandatory breaks;
- To daily and weekly rest.
This regulation applies to drivers of goods transport vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tonnes and passenger transport vehicles with a capacity of more than 9 seats (including the driver), whenever they operate within the territory of the European Union.
Main legal limits established
- Daily driving time : up to 9 hours (can be extended to 10 hours twice a week);
- Weekly driving time : maximum 56 hours;
- Fortnightly driving time : cannot exceed 90 hours;
- Mandatory break : after 4h30 of driving, a break of at least 45 minutes is required (which can be divided into two – 15 min + 30 min);
- Daily rest : minimum of 11 hours (or 9 hours in cases of reduction);
- Weekly rest : 45 consecutive hours (or 24 hours under reduced rest regime).
The role of the digital tachograph
The use of a digital tachograph is mandatory to record driving times, breaks and rest periods. Since 2019, the smart tachograph has been required in new vehicles, with additional features such as integrated GPS and greater protection against fraud. Effective control of the tachograph is essential to avoid errors or manipulations that could lead to penalties.
Main violations related to working time
In the road transport sector, violations associated with drivers’ working and rest timescontinue to be among the most common and punished by the authorities. Many of these infractions result from planning failures, lack of knowledge of the legislation or incorrect use of recording equipment, such as the tachograph. Below, we highlight the most frequent infractions, their risks and how to avoid them.
Excessive driving hours
One of the most common offences is exceeding the legal driving limit, whether daily, weekly or fortnightly. This practice drastically increases the risk of accidents due to fatigue and is a direct violation of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 .
Example: Driving more than 9 hours in a day without legal justification can result in a significant fine and, in repeat cases, additional sanctions for the company.
Insufficient or poorly performed rest
Many drivers fail to comply with mandatory rest periods, whether due to deadline pressure, poor route management or lack of knowledge of the rules. Interrupted or incomplete rest periods are not considered valid by the authorities.
Important note: A daily rest of less than 9 hours (without being provided for as an admissible reduction) constitutes a serious infraction.
Lack or misuse of tachograph
use , manipulation or absence of tachograph records is a very serious offence. This includes:
- Do not insert the driver card;
- Use fraud devices;
- Failure to retain driving data for the period required by law.
Monitoring is becoming increasingly rigorous, especially with the introduction of smart tachographs, which make it easier to detect irregularities.
Lack of adequate planning of working hours
Companies that do not plan their drivers’ routes and shifts properly are more likely to experience disruptions in rest times. The pressure to meet delivery deadlines can lead to deviations from the norm, especially in international or long-haul operations.
Consequence: In addition to the driver being penalized, the company itself may be held responsible for not ensuring conditions for legal compliance with working hours.
Lack of training or awareness
Drivers and fleet managers who do not receive ongoing training on current legislation end up committing unintentional infractions. Ignorance of the law is not accepted as a justification during inspections.
Effective strategies to avoid infractions
Avoiding violations related to working and rest times in the transport sector is not just a matter of following the rules, it is a smart management practice that protects drivers, the company and customers. To ensure compliance with the legislation and increase operational efficiency, it is essential to implement practical, sustainable strategies adapted to the daily reality. Below, we present some of the best strategies to ensure legal and operational compliance .
Intelligent route and shift planning
One of the most effective ways to avoid violations is to plan your drivers’ routes, loads and schedules in advance . By anticipating driving times, breaks and rest periods, you can adjust shifts realistically and legally:
- Use of digital tools to calculate distances, times and breaks;
- Integration with real-time traffic systems to avoid unexpected delays;
- Planning adjusted to the workload, avoiding overloading drivers.
Tip: Fleet management software like Seeptrucker makes this planning easier, making it more accurate and automatic.
Continuous training of drivers
Regular professional training is essential to keep drivers up to date on legislation and good practices.
- Training sessions on driving and rest times
- Simulations of real situations and resolution of doubts
- Driver engagement in safety and compliance culture
A well-informed team is the first line of defense against violations.
Use of Technology and Digital Tachographs
Technology is a crucial ally in monitoring compliance with the rules in real time. The digital tachograph , especially in its smart version, allows:
- Automatically record driving times, breaks and rests
- Issue alerts when legal limits are approached
- Generate detailed reports for analysis and correction
Integration with platforms such as Seeptrucker allows remote access to tachograph data , facilitating monitoring by management teams.
Proactive Monitoring by Fleet Managers
Regular and proactive monitoring of driver records is essential to detect deviations and correct them in a timely manner.
- Weekly analysis of driving and rest times
- Individualized feedback to drivers based on real data
- Creating compliance reports for internal audit
Continuous communication between manager and driver reduces errors and reinforces compliance with regulations.
Benefits of efficient work time management
management of working and rest times goes far beyond legal compliance. When implemented correctly, it translates into concrete benefits for drivers, fleet managers and the entire operation of the transport company.
Below, we highlight the main benefits of this good practice , with a direct impact on productivity, security and reputation.
Risk and accident reduction
Fatigue at the wheel is one of the main causes of road accidents. By ensuring that drivers take regular breaks and complete rest , the risk of accidents can be significantly reduced, protecting lives, vehicles and goods. Driving safely starts with respecting each driver’s physical and legal limits.
Legal compliance and avoidance of fines
Failure to comply with working and rest times is subject to strict monitoring and high fines . Efficient management avoids penalties, administrative proceedings and financial losses. Companies that invest in legal compliance experience fewer interruptions and operate more smoothly.
Improved operational efficiency
With proper planning and supporting technological tools, the company’s resources are used more efficiently. This translates into :
- Less downtime;
- Better use of routes;
- Reduced costs on fuel, maintenance and overtime.
Driver appreciation and motivation
Drivers who have their breaks respected feel more valued and work with greater motivation. Reducing stress and respecting legal limits contribute to a healthier work environment. Companies that take care of their drivers have lower turnover and greater team commitment.
Improved image and confidence in the market
Complying with regulations and ensuring safety in operations projects an image of responsibility and professionalism , both to customers and to regulatory authorities. This is especially important in public tenders and long-term partnerships. Legal compliance is a competitive advantage.
How Seeptrucker can help with time and rest management
In an increasingly demanding and competitive sector, having tools that facilitate compliance with legislation and optimize fleet operations makes all the difference. This is where Seeptrucker positions itself as an essential ally for transport companies that want to ensure effective management of drivers’ working and rest time — with rigor, simplicity and technology.
Real-time monitoring of driving time
Seeptrucker allows you to track, in real time, each driver’s driving times, breaks and rests . This feature helps fleet managers to:
- Detect deviations before they become infractions;
- Alert drivers when they approach legal limits;
- Quickly adjust routes and shifts based on real data.
Continuous monitoring reduces operational failures and avoids unexpected fines.
Integration with digital tachographs
The platform easily integrates with digital and smart tachographs , collecting and organizing essential data without the need for manual processes. This allows:
- Detailed analysis of driving history;
- Secure storage of mandatory records;
- Generation of inspection-ready compliance reports.
Smart alerts and notifications
Seeptrucker ‘s most valued features is its automatic alerts , configurable to warn you of:
- When the maximum driving time is about to be exceeded;
- When it is necessary to start a break or rest;
- When there is some irregularity in the tachograph record.
Route planning based on legal rules
With Seeptrucker , it is possible to plan trips considering not only distance and estimated times, but also legal working limits . This means that fleet managers can:
- Define more efficient routes;
- Ensure compliance with mandatory break periods;
- Prevent delays caused by unforeseen rest needs.
Performance analysis and decision-making support
The platform provides useful metrics to assess individual driver performance and the level of compliance of the operation . With this data, it is possible to:
- Identify risk patterns or trends in infractions;
- Reinforce training where necessary;
- Promote continuous improvement of company practices.
Support in creating a culture of security and compliance
More than a technological tool, Seeptrucker contributes to building a culture of road safety , legal compliance and sustainable efficiency — involving both managers and drivers in the process.
Digitizing working time management is not just an option: it is a competitive advantage.
Conclusion
The management of working and rest time is a central element in road transport activity, with a direct impact on road safety , operational efficiency and compliance with national and European legislation . Ignoring these rules not only puts the integrity of drivers and third parties at risk, but also exposes companies to huge fines, administrative penalties and reputational damage.
With features such as real-time monitoring , automatic alerts , integration with digital tachographsand intelligent route planning , Seeptrucker makes it easier to comply with legal obligations and contributes to safer and more efficient operations.
Investing in a tool that supports the intelligent management of driving and rest times is investing in the sustainability of the business and the well-being of the entire team.