The DVSA has unveiled a number of significant changes for HGV drivers travelling internationally from the UK in a bid to improve safety.
The changes which come into force today form part of the UK’s efforts to align with international obligations under the UK/EU Trade and Cooperation Agreement.
But prior to the start date, the DVSA urged operators to ensure they were prepared for the new regulations which would take immediate effect.
“These regulatory updates are crucial for maintaining compliance during international operations,” the agency said in an announcement.
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Under the new rules HGV drivers will need to produce 56 days of drivers’ records on international journeys
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The changes will affect how drivers’ hours and tachograph regulations are managed for HGVs on international routes and will now align with the European Agreement concerning the Work of Crews of Vehicles Engaged in International Road Transport (AETR).
Industry experts have emphasised the importance of understanding these new requirements to maintain compliance. The key changes include a shift in the legal framework governing drivers’ hours and tachograph use for international transport.
This change affects HGVs registered outside the UK and EU, as well as passenger service vehicles, when engaged in international journeys.
From April 21, HGV operators will need to produce 56 days of drivers’ records on international journeys, doubling the previous requirement of 28 days.
This extended requirement includes digital data, analogue charts, and any manual records. Operators must also ensure their drivers are familiar with new rules and that vehicles are equipped to record and store the extended tachograph data.
These changes have been designed to maintain compliance with international obligations while ensuring road safety standards are upheld.
AETR rules are largely the same as current UK/EU rules, with similar provisions for maximum driving limits and minimum break and rest requirements, the DVSA explained.
However, several UK/EU rules do not apply to AETR journeys. These include requirements for returning to base or the driver’s country of residence, provisions for interrupting weekly rest periods, and rules about reaching the employer’s operational centre or the driver’s home during unforeseen events.
Under UK/EU rules, regular weekly rest periods must be taken in suitable accommodation with adequate sleeping and sanitary facilities, with costs covered by the employer.
HGV operators must also ensure they retrofit smart tachograph 2, which is mandatory for vehicles weighing over 3.5 tonnes, by specific deadlines as part of the regulatory changes.
Smart tachographs are devices fitted to vehicles that record data on the driver and vehicle in their memory and separately on a driver’s card.
Vehicles currently equipped with a smart tachograph 1 must be retrofitted with smart tachograph 2 by August 18 2025. For vehicles with a gross vehicle weight between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes, the deadline is later at July 1 2026.
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The changes will require HGV drivers to ensure they retrofit a smart tachograph 2 in their vehicles
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Smart tachograph 2, introduced for vehicles registered from August 21,2023, automatically records border crossings, including between EU Member States and offers improved fraud resistance.
These devices are crucial for the proper enforcement of the drivers’ hours rules, which are fundamental road safety measures designed to reduce fatigue-related accidents.
But the DVSA has emphasised that these changes only affect international operators, with no changes for vehicles operating solely within the UK. Domestic operators can continue to follow existing regulations without any adjustments to their current practices.
