New drivers’ hours requirements for HGV operators

25 April 2025

On 21 April 2025, changes to drivers’ hours legislation came into effect, impacting HGV operators, particularly those involved in international transport. The DVSA will be updating its official guidance accordingly, but operators should be aware of the following key points now.

Key changes

Extended record requirements

Operators must now retain and be able to produce 56 days’ worth of driver records when operating internationally, an increase from the previous 28 day requirement. This change means drivers must carry sufficient records, and systems must be in place to ensure these are complete and accessible. It’s important to remember that these must be recorded manually—either entered into a digital tachograph, written on an analogue tachograph (properly completed), or noted on the back of a printout from a vehicle unit (VU).

Application of AETR rules

For journeys between the UK and non-EU countries, AETR (European Agreement Concerning the Work of Crews of Vehicles Engaged in International Road Transport) rules will now apply. This aligns the UK more closely with international standards outside the EU framework.

Tachograph upgrade deadlines – UK EU international operations

Operators will be required to upgrade to Smart Tachograph Version 2, with deadlines based on vehicle type:

Vehicles already fitted with Smart Tachograph 1: by 18 August 2025
Vehicles between 2.5 and 3.5 tonnes GVW: by 1 July 2026

Planning for retrofit programmes should start now to avoid non-compliance later down the line.

Additional guidance updates

The DVSA’s forthcoming update to the drivers’ hours guidance will also include:

A clarified definition of ‘goods’ as it applies to hours rules
Updated information around exemptions for radio/TV broadcasting
Revised lists of countries classified as EU and non-EU for the purposes of these rules
A refreshed breakdown of which rules apply to drivers’ hours and working time
All mentions of ‘EU law’ will be replaced with the term ‘assimilated drivers’ hours rules’, reflecting the UK’s updated legal language post-Brexit

Next steps for operators

Operators should review their compliance procedures in light of these upcoming changes — particularly those conducting international work. Ensuring that tachograph systems are on schedule for upgrade and that driver records can be produced for the new 56-day window will be critical.

Backhouse Jones is available to support with audits, training, and any questions around the application of AETR or tachograph compliance. Contact our team.