NEWS
■Is there a limit on continuous driving time? An overview of rules for drivers!
Driving requires significant concentration and physical stamina. It is a job with great responsibility, as even a minor mistake or issue can lead to a major accident. Did you know that there are regulations governing how long drivers can drive continuously to ensure they can perform their jobs safely? In this article, we explain the reasons behind these regulations and the specific rules involved.
1. Why do these rules exist?
You may have seen or heard news reports about accidents involving long-distance truck or bus drivers. These incidents can sometimes escalate into major catastrophes involving other vehicles or passengers. Such accidents are often triggered by driving for extended periods without taking adequate breaks. This is because human beings cannot maintain concentration for very long—especially when fatigue or stress sets in. Since prolonged continuous driving can diminish concentration and lead to traffic accidents, various rules have been established regarding drivers' driving hours.
2. Specific rules
What exactly are the rules regarding driving hours? Here, we explain the specific details concerning continuous driving time, total duty time (time under the employer's control), and rest periods.
2-1. Maximum continuous driving time is 4 hours!
According to the "Standards for Improving Working Hours for Motor Vehicle Drivers" established by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, the maximum time a driver can drive continuously is four hours. When driving for long periods, a break of at least 30 minutes must be taken either within that four-hour window or immediately after the four hours have elapsed. Breaks can be split up—for example, taking three 10-minute breaks or two 15-minute breaks. However, the conditions require that each break lasts at least 10 minutes and that the total break time within the four-hour period amounts to at least 30 minutes. Drivers should choose the approach that best helps them maintain concentration, taking into account factors such as driving distance, the time of day, and the nature of the work. Note that "break time" refers to time spent away from work duties; therefore, any work-related tasks performed—even if not actually driving—are counted as part of the driving time. In addition to limits on continuous driving time, regulations also specify total driving time per day and per week. Regarding daily driving, the average driving time over a two-day period must not exceed nine hours. For weekly driving, the limit is an average of 44 hours over a two-week period.
2-2. Daily Duty Time Limit: 13 Hours!
In principle, a driver's daily duty time (the period from the start of the workday to the end) is 13 hours. This includes break times. While it is possible to extend this to 16 hours depending on circumstances, duty periods exceeding 15 hours are limited to twice a week. There are also rules regarding monthly duty time, with a cap of 293 hours. However, if a written labor-management agreement is concluded, this limit can be raised to 320 hours, though such an extension is permitted for a maximum of six months. Furthermore, total annual duty time must be kept within 3,516 hours. Since a simple calculation of 293 hours multiplied by 12 months equals 3,516 hours, any temporary increase in duty time must be offset by adjustments in other months.
2-3. Daily Rest Period: At Least 8 Hours!
Regulations for drivers also establish standards for rest periods. A rest period refers to the time spent away from work between shifts (the time from clocking out to clocking in for the next shift). In principle, drivers must take a rest period of at least eight hours per day. Based on a simple 24-hour day calculation, it should be possible to secure an eight-hour rest period even if duty time is extended to the maximum of 16 hours. Note that, as a general rule, the rest period cannot be split up; it must be taken as a continuous block of at least eight hours. Additionally, a break longer than a standard rest period is classified as a "day off"; this is defined as the standard rest period plus 24 hours, meaning the total duration cannot fall below 30 hours. Work on a designated day off is permitted only once every two weeks.
3. Mandatory "Daily Driving Logs"
Continuous driving time is not the only factor requiring attention regarding drivers. Business locations that own company vehicles are required to have drivers maintain "daily driving logs." If a company owns vehicles, it must appoint a "Safety Driving Manager"; one of the legally mandated duties of this manager is to ensure that daily driving logs are kept and recorded. In other words, the Safety Driving Manager is obligated to have drivers record the details of their driving activities upon completing their shifts.
These logs record information such as the driver's name, driving duration, distance traveled, and vehicle inspection status. Beyond legal requirements, there are other compelling reasons to maintain these logs. Detailed records allow management to assess whether company vehicles are being used appropriately. Furthermore, analyzing recorded mileage and driving times can help identify inefficient routes; instructing drivers on more efficient driving methods can lead to cost reductions.
4. Measures to Prevent Fatigued Driving
It is the responsibility of management to prevent executive chauffeurs from driving while fatigued. Allowing a driver to operate a vehicle in an unfit state risks serious accidents, which could endanger the lives of executives and harm the company's interests. Thoroughly implementing measures to prevent fatigued driving is crucial to avoiding such situations.
A fundamental measure is to monitor the driver's health status regularly. If a driver is unwell, they should be given time off to mitigate the risk of accidents. Additionally, if a driver is likely to exceed the prescribed maximum duty hours, assigning a relief driver is an effective strategy.
Excessive overtime can cause stress, potentially leading to sleep disturbances at night. This can create a vicious cycle where the driver struggles to concentrate on their work, resulting in even more overtime; therefore, careful management is required.
■ Prioritizing Health Management
Even minor health issues or physical ailments can lead to major accidents, making proper health management essential for drivers. Adhering to regulations regarding driving hours is a key part of this. It is important to thoroughly understand and follow these rules—not merely to comply with the law, but to protect one's own life, as well as the lives of clients and others. Let us attend to our daily health management—such as taking proper breaks and rest, and paying attention to diet and exercise—so that we can work with peace of mind.
【 TransACT Group 】
