On this page, we'll go over just what a split daily rest is, and how to use them without breaching any tachograph rules and regulations.
What is Daily Rest in the first place?
Every day, HGV and PSV drivers must have a minimum of 11 hours' rest. This is a period where drivers are totally off-duty, and they may not carry out any work. You can use the Break/Rest activity on your tachograph to designate time spent resting.
What is a Split Daily Rest?
You don't have to take all your daily rest at once. It can be split into two chunks:
The first must be at least 3 hours long,
The second must be at least 9 hours long.
Notice that when using Split Daily Rest, the minimum rest time is 12 hours in total compared to the 11 for normal Daily Rest. The Split Daily Rest periods can be taken at any time of the day, but the total 12 hours must be completed within 24 hours of the shift starting.
How often can Split Daily Rest be used?
There is no limit to how frequently Split Daily Rest can be used. Use it every day if you like!
How should I input Split Daily Rest on my tachograph?
Your tachograph (and tachograph analysis bureau) will be able to tell when a Driver has used Split Daily Rest. Drivers can simply enter the correct times and activities for their rest periods, and as long as each portion of the split rest is long enough, no infringement will be recorded.
Can Split Daily Rest be used with Reduced Daily Rest?
Split Daily Rest cannot be used at the same time as Reduced Daily Rest. This is because one of the requirements for Split Daily Rest is that one portion of the split rest must be a minimum of 9 hours uninterrupted.
A Reduced Daily Rest is 9 hours minimum, down from the usual 11, you wouldn't be able to split it!
About TachoMagic
TachoMagic is a tachograph analysis bureau, and supplier of automatic download devices for fleets across the UK. We've got decades of experience in the business, and we've decided to share a lot of it on our website!
If you or your work are interested in what we've got to offer, why not have a browse of our website? Feel free to get in touch using the contact details below if you have any questions!
Further Reading
If you've found our page, "TachoMagic Guide: Split Daily Rest for HGV Drivers" useful, we've linked below a few more of our tacho guides:
- TachoMagic Guide: WTD Breaks
- TachoMagic Guide: Manual Entries
- How to record days off on tachograph data
- Gov.UK website guidance
About The Author
Simon Theaker
Simon has over 20 years of dealing with tachograph analysis, and the technologies involved.
His in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience have made him a key behind-the-scenes member of the TachoMagic team.
Through his blogs, Simon hopes to make the lives of Fleet Managers easier, as he shares the answers to some of the most common questions he has received.
