AETR Agreement — driving and rest times beyond the EU

Frequently asked questions

What is the AETR Agreement?

AETR is a UNECE agreement that sets driving-time, break and rest-period rules for international road transport operations that involve non-EU countries. It extends similar standards to those used inside the EU to journeys connecting the EU with states like the UK, Türkiye and the EAEU members.

When does AETR apply instead of EU rules?

AETR applies to international road transport journeys between the EU and non-EU countries such as the UK, Türkiye or EAEU states. Where a journey crosses into these non-EU territories, AETR governs the driving, break and rest requirements rather than the EU regulation alone.

Does AETR require tachograph use?

Yes. AETR includes tachograph requirements, closely mirroring the approach taken under EU legislation. This means drivers and operators on covered international routes must record driving and rest periods using tachograph equipment, similar to what is expected under EU rules.

How does AETR differ from EU driving and rest time rules?

AETR does not create a separate regime but follows the EU rules closely. Its main purpose is to extend equivalent driving-time, break, rest-period and tachograph standards to journeys involving non-EU countries, ensuring consistency for international operators outside the EU's own regulatory scope.

Official sources

• Official source ↗ · unece.org