Driving and rest timesWeekly rest in a bed, not the cab
The regular weekly rest may not be taken in the truck. At BALM and police checks, drivers and companies face fines – a motel room on the A8 is cheaper.
Weekly rest – the maths
45 hours, e.g. Friday evening to Sunday afternoon = 2 nights at the Business-Motel Heimsheim:
For employed drivers, the employer pays for the accommodation. You can request the invoice to your company online.
The rules at a glance
- Daily driving: max. 9 hours, twice a week 10 hours.
- Weekly driving: max. 56 hours, max. 90 hours in any two consecutive weeks.
- Break: at least 45 minutes after 4.5 hours of driving at the latest, can be split into 15 then 30 minutes.
- Daily rest: 11 hours (can be split 3 + 9), reducible to 9 hours at most three times between two weekly rests.
- Weekly rest: regular 45 hours; reduced at least 24 hours, compensated by the end of the third following week.
- Cab sleeping ban: the regular weekly rest and compensating rests over 45 hours must be taken in suitable accommodation with sleeping and sanitary facilities – not in the vehicle. The employer pays the costs.
- Allowed in the vehicle: daily rest and reduced weekly rest, if the vehicle is stationary and has a suitable sleeping cab.
- Return home: drivers must be able to return to the company base or home at least every 4 weeks.
Legal basis: Regulation (EC) 561/2006 as amended by the EU Mobility Package (Reg. (EU) 2020/1054) and the German Driving Personnel Act (§ 8a FPersG). Applies to trucks over 3.5 t and, since 1 July 2026, to light commercial vehicles over 2.5 t in international transport.
Fines in Germany
| Violation | Driver | Company |
|---|---|---|
| Regular weekly rest in the vehicle | up to €500 | up to €1,500 |
| Daily driving time exceeded (per started half hour) | 30–60 € | 90–180 € |
| Break shortened (per started quarter hour) | 30–60 € | 90–180 € |
| Daily rest too short (per started hour) | 30–60 € | 90–180 € |
| Statutory maximum (FPersG) | up to €5,000 | up to €30,000 |
Standard rates from the German fine catalogue for driving personnel law; several violations are added up, minor overruns are partly fined for the driver only. Not legal advice, as of November 2026.
Checks by BALM and police
The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) and the police check tachograph and driver card at roadside checks – including the previous days.
In May 2026, BALM found 112 violations in 634 rest-time checks – mostly weekly rests taken in the cab.
Drivers resident abroad must pay a security deposit on the spot. If it is not paid, the journey can be stopped.
FAQ
May I take my weekly rest in the truck?
Not the regular 45-hour weekly rest – it must be taken in suitable accommodation outside the vehicle. A reduced weekly rest (at least 24 hours) and daily rest are allowed in a stationary vehicle with a sleeping cab.
Who pays for the accommodation?
For employed drivers, the employer. At the Business-Motel, dispatchers can book rooms for their drivers and the invoice goes to the company.
How much does a violation cost?
For weekly rest in the cab up to €500 for the driver and up to €1,500 for the company. On top come fines for exceeded driving times or shortened breaks and rests.
How do I prove my weekly rest in accommodation?
Keep the invoice or booking confirmation of the accommodation. At the Business-Motel you can get the invoice to your company address.