Van Drivers' Hours: GB Domestic Rules for Vans Explained (2026)

Many operators assume van drivers' hours rules don't exist because tachographs are for lorries. In fact, most van drivers working in England, Scotland or Wales fall under the GB domestic drivers' hours rules. Here's what they say, who is exempt, and what changed for some vans in July 2026.

Do drivers' hours rules apply to vans under 3.5 tonnes?

Yes, in most working situations. GOV.UK says the GB domestic rules apply in England, Wales and Scotland if any of these are true: the maximum weight of the vehicle or combination is under 3.5 tonnes, the vehicle is exempt from assimilated rules when driven in the UK, or the vehicle is used in connection with a trade or business. Northern Ireland has separate rules.

DVSA's GV262 guide explains that the rules come from the Transport Act 1968 as amended. Exempt altogether are Armed Forces, police and fire brigade vehicles, drivers who always drive off the public road, and private driving not connected with work. The limits are also suspended for the duration of genuine emergencies.

What are the daily driving and duty limits for van drivers?

Under the GB domestic rules:

• Daily driving: no more than 10 hours in any working day, on and off the public road.
• Daily duty: no more than 11 hours in any working day. For an employed driver, duty includes all work and driving for the employer, but not rest or breaks.

A "day" is the 24-hour period beginning when duty starts.

How does site driving count for groundworks fleets?

Off-road driving for agriculture, quarrying, forestry, building work or civil engineering counts as duty rather than driving time.

A driver is exempt from the duty limit on any working day when they don't drive, and a driver who drives for no more than 4 hours on each day of the week is exempt from the duty limit for that whole week.

Which vans are exempt from the 11-hour duty limit?

GV262 lists goods vehicles, including dual-purpose vehicles, not exceeding 3.5 tonnes that are exempt from the duty limit but still bound by the 10-hour driving limit when used:

• by doctors, dentists, nurses, midwives or vets
• for any service of inspection, cleaning, maintenance, repair, installation or fitting
• by commercial travellers carrying goods only to solicit orders
• by the AA, RAC or RSAC
• for cinematography or radio and television broadcasting

Do van drivers need breaks and rest under the domestic rules?

The domestic rules make no specific provision for rest periods or breaks. However, Annex 2 of GV262 explains that drivers under the GB domestic rules are covered by four provisions of the Working Time Regulations 1998:

• an average working week of no more than 48 hours, normally over a rolling 17-week reference period (individuals can opt out)
• 5.6 weeks' paid annual leave
• health checks for night workers
• an entitlement to adequate rest

A worker can opt out of the 48-hour average, but an employer cannot opt out of making sure workers get adequate rest.

Do van drivers have to keep hours records?

GV262 says drivers must keep written records on a weekly record sheet where the vehicle carries goods, requires an operator licence, and driving exceeds 4 hours that day. Operators should check and sign each sheet; a compliant tachograph can be used instead. Use the GV262 flowchart to check whether this applies to you.

GOV.UK's rules for employers also say you must make sure drivers are trained and understand the rules, organise their time so they can follow them, and not pay based on speed of delivery, distance travelled or goods carried if that encourages rule-breaking.

What changed for vans over 2.5 tonnes in July 2026?

According to GV262 section 1, from 1 July 2026 assimilated rules apply to light goods vehicles over 2.5 tonnes (including any trailer) carrying goods on international operations within the UK and EU, unless an exemption applies. We cover the detail in our guide to new tachograph rules for vans over 2.5 tonnes.

What happens if the rules are broken?

GOV.UK says drivers who break the rules may be prosecuted or fined. Penalties for serious or dangerous offences include prohibition notices, fixed penalties (a fine or licence points), and immobilisation of the vehicle if it's a danger to road safety, with a release charge to pay.

How do hours and vehicle checks fit together?

Fleet Track PRO timestamps every walkaround check against the driver who did it. Walkaround checks don't replace drivers' hours records where those are required. See our guide to pre-use vehicle checks for company drivers, or try the interactive demo to see a photo-backed check from the driver's phone.

This article is general guidance based on GOV.UK and DVSA sources current at the time of writing. Always check the latest guidance for your situation.