Driving and Rest Times for Road Transport with Dual Crew

Driving and rest times for dual crew are subject to different rules than solo driving. Two drivers operate during a period between two daily rest periods or a daily and weekly rest period. Both drivers are licensed to drive and have a driver card.

Driving and Rest Times for Dual Crew

With dual crew, daily rest is measured within 30 hours (not 24 hours) after the end of the previous rest period. Within these 30 hours, both must have a minimum of 9 hours daily rest (not counted as reduced rest). After 4.5 hours of driving, one driver can rest next to the other driver - the vehicle does not need to be stationary. When drivers change, the driver card must also be changed!

Optional First Hour

With dual crew, the first 45 minutes of availability count as a break as long as the co-driver is not working. The second driver is optional for the first hour. After starting the shift, the first driver has one hour to pick up the other driver. The 4.5 hours of driving time starts when driver 1 begins driving. When the second driver gets in and inserts their card, availability time is automatically recorded.

Why Dual Crew?

With dual crew, total driving time can be extended to a maximum of 20 hours, while both comply with daily rest within 30 hours. This only works if both use the extended daily driving time provision and drive a maximum of 10 hours. Someone on "available" does not need a break but must take daily rest. Daily rest must be taken outside the vehicle or in a stationary vehicle.

Any Number of Drivers

During the 30-hour period, another driver can replace one, as long as the previous activities of the new driver comply with the tachograph rules for dual crew.

Dual Crew with Analogue Tachograph

With an analogue tachograph, both drivers enter their details before starting. The driver inserts the disc normally; the co-driver places the disc behind the transparent separator. When changing, both discs must be exchanged. The co-driver records availability time.

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