Driving and rest times — Regulation (EC) 561/2006
12 July 2026 · EN · NL · DE · FR
Summary
The core EU rules on driving times, breaks and rest periods for professional drivers, extended by the Mobility Package. The basis for tachograph enforcement across the EU.
Frequently asked questions
What does Regulation (EC) 561/2006 cover?
It sets out the core EU rules on driving times, breaks and rest periods for professional drivers. It is the main legal instrument regulating how long drivers may drive, when they must pause, and how much rest they need between shifts.
Who has to comply with this regulation?
The regulation applies to professional drivers operating within the scope of EU transport rules. It establishes standardized requirements for driving times, breaks and rest periods that these drivers and their employers must follow across the EU.
How has the Mobility Package changed this regulation?
The Mobility Package extended the original rules in Regulation 561/2006. This means the driving and rest time framework has been updated and broadened, though the core structure of driving limits, breaks and rest periods remains the foundation.
Why is this regulation linked to tachograph enforcement?
Regulation 561/2006 forms the legal basis for tachograph enforcement across the EU. Tachographs are used to record and verify compliance with the driving, break and rest time rules set out in this regulation, making it central to roadside and company checks.
Official sources
- Official source ↗ · eur-lex.europa.eu