Snapshot of the Changes

1. The new rules remove the 3 x 15 minute breaks used by many as an alternative to 45 minutes break on the completion of 4.5hrs driving. Drivers may only have 2 breaks within 4.5hours driving. One must be of 15 minutes duration and the other must be of 30 minutes duration. The 45 minutes at the end of 4.5 hours driving still remains the same.
2. There is no longer any requirement to take compensatory rest when taking a 9 hour reduced daily rest
3. A weekly rest of 45hrs MUST be taken every two weeks irrespective of vehicle location (i.e. away from base)
4. From 1st January 2008 drivers will have to produce upon request their current driving record together with the previous 28 days, a driver card if the possess one and any manual records
5. Split rest remains at 12 hrs in total but must now be taken in only 2 blocks, the latter being 9hrs.

Right, a typical printout associated with the digital tachograph.

	All drivers who intend to drive a vehicle fitted with a digital tachograph must apply for a driver card, left. Applications are made through the DVLA. They are personal to you and expire 5 years from the date of issue.
Legislation Information (29Kb PDF)