Where a driver accompanies a vehicle that is being transported by ferry or train, the daily rest requirements are more flexible.
A regular daily rest period may be interrupted no more than twice, but the total interruption must not exceed 1 hour in total. This allows for a vehicle to be driven on to a ferry and off again at the end of the crossing. Where the rest period is interrupted in this way, the total accumulated rest period must still be 11 hours. A bunk or couchette must be available during the rest period.
For example, a qualifying regular daily rest period could be interrupted in the following manner:
- Rest - 2 hours
- Driving/other work (embarkation) - 30 minutes
- Rest (on ferry or train) - 7 hours
- Driving/other work (disembarkation) - 30 minutes
- Rest - 2 hours
For more information on drivers' hours, read our Drivers' Working Hours - The Facts and Using Ferry Mode on a Digital Tachograph articles.