New regulations came into force on Monday 21 April that will change the drivers’ hours rules for HGV operators. The government have updated the official guidance to reflect these changes, and all operators should review their compliance processes to ensure they meet these requirements.

For HGVs operating on international journeys, operators will need to produce 56 days of drivers’ records. This is intended to improve consistency with international standards and provide clearer evidence of compliance during inspections. In addition, operators must follow AETR rules for journeys to and from the UK and non-EU countries. These rules set out specific requirements for driving time, rest periods and record keeping, and they apply to all international journeys beyond the EU.

The changes also include requirements for tachograph equipment. Operators must retrofit a smart tachograph 2 by certain deadlines. Vehicles that currently have a smart tachograph 1 must be upgraded by 18 August 2025. Vehicles with a gross vehicle weight between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes must have a smart tachograph 2 installed by 1 July 2026. These devices provide improved data accuracy and support enforcement across borders.

The updated drivers’ hours guidance also includes several clarifications and adjustments. It introduced a clear definition of what constitutes “goods” in relation to drivers’ hours, ensuring operators understand which types of transport are covered. There will be clarification on the national derogation that applies to radio and television broadcasting operations. The list of EU and non-EU countries will be updated, helping operators determine when AETR or domestic rules apply. The guidance will also provide an updated list of regulations that relate to drivers’ hours and working time requirements.

Another important change is that any reference to “EU law” will be replaced with “assimilated drivers’ hours rules.” This update aligns the guidance with the UK’s post-EU legal framework and ensures consistency across official documentation.

These changes mean that operators will need to review their internal procedures, ensure drivers are aware of the new requirements, and plan for tachograph upgrades well before the deadlines. Taking early action will help businesses remain compliant and avoid penalties once the new rules take effect.

The revised drivers’ hours guidance will be published ahead of the implementation date. Operators are advised to read it in full and make any necessary adjustments to their record-keeping, training, and compliance systems.