Here is how I have learned to do it to keep the TM and VOSA off my back.
Card goes in 0600.
During multi drop day about 1000 take 20 min break (15 mins to keep TM happy 20 to keep VOSA happy for WTD break)
I am now good until 1620 for the next WTD.
1300-1400 4h30 driving hours limit comes up take 30 min break. Bam! WTD now good until 2030. Shift ends at 1800.
When I get sent to Great Yarmouth I have to think laterally ( 2 hour drive before first drop ), but the 20/30 rule works for me.
I now cede the floor for more experienced Truckers to tell me I am doing it all wrong.
Nothing wrong, just so long as you know for certain that your first 20 min break only needs to be 15 mins (both WTD and driving rest) (although let it run to 16 mins so the tacho doesn’t round it down to 14 mins).
Far be it from me to deprive you of 5 mins of your break, so if it works for you carry on.
TruckerGuy:
It mustn’t be forgotten the break times are MINIMUMS; AT LEAST, etc. Just need to be aware of total working time if heading towards 13/15 hours.
TruckerGuy:
It mustn’t be forgotten the break times are MINIMUMS; AT LEAST, etc. Just need to be aware of total working time if heading towards 13/15 hours.
Should that be total shift time
Uhh… yes. “The working day”, to ensure enough hours for daily rest.
stu675:
Nothing wrong, just so long as you know for certain that your first 20 min break only needs to be 15 mins (both WTD and driving rest) (although let it run to 16 mins so the tacho doesn’t round it down to 14 mins).
Far be it from me to deprive you of 5 mins of your break, so if it works for you carry on.
I was told 15 min break showed no infringement when TM scans card at end of the day but if VOSA scanned the card min 20 min break needed to satisfy Working time directive. Every trucker has their way and as a newbie myself I am following the most conservative advice. If I ever get pulled over by a Bumble Bee I will ask them and pass the info on.
Also I have a cheap casio watch to run a stop watch to keep an eye on my rest period when I am cough in the service station cough, Officer.
Falcon JSDF:
but if VOSA scanned the card min 20 min break needed to satisfy Working time directive
From .gov with DVSA stamp on page 1, simplified version: assets.publishing.service.gov.u … -rules.pdf
page 2, top right.
“Cannot work for more than 6 hours
without a break. A break should be at
least 15 minutes long
30 minute break if working between 6
and 9 hours in total
45 minute break if working more than 9
hours in total”
20mins not needed at all.
But if you feel happier, err to the side of safety by all means.
Just need to be aware of total working time if heading towards 13/15 hours.