Cork Bus -  Ireland Tours by Bus - Ireland Travel

European Drivers Hours Regulations

As with all companies we are legally obliged to comply with the European driver's hours regulations.

The regulations can be quite complex but a simplified version is as follows:

Drivers can drive for a maximum of 4.5 hours without taking a break. A minimum break of 45 Minutes must then be taken.

Generally the Maximum driving hours per day is 9

Most importantly a driver must take a daily overnight rest of 11 consecutive hours away from the vehicle.
This means that whatever time your driver finishes for the day, the very earliest he can drive the next day will be 11 hours later. (Please allow extra time for the driver to get to/from his base/lodgings, re-fuel and prepare/clean the coach, etc for the next day)

It may be possible to reduce the drivers overnight rest to 9 hours when the driver has had 3 hours uninterrupted rest during that day (This may apply to golf groups for example)

In brief, please plan ahead to ensure

1. Your driving time does not exceed 9 hours on any calendar day
2. The driver's overnight rest rules are adhered to in full.
3. A drivers actual driving hours, breaks and overnight rest combined should not exceed a total period of 24 hours.

The drivers hours rules generally do not present any problems at all. It would be rare that a touring group would want to spend so many hours of actual driving time in one day.

With some simple forward planning you can utilize your bus/driver to best suit your plans.

More often than not, most pubs, restaurants and evening entertainment would be on your doorstep so you would not require the services of your coach/driver at night. However if you do please bear in mind the drivers overnight rest requirements.

The regulations are very much common sense and are enforced to ensure your safety which is paramount.

Your safety is our top priority

From the moment the driver starts his day all his/her movements are recorded by a tachograph fitted on the vehicle. This records the start/finish date, time & mileage, driving time, distance travelled, speed and waiting/rest time. A driver who does not comply with the regulations could face a stiff  fine and imprisonment. Your tour could also come to an abrupt end at a routine Police checkpoint.