Goods vehicles

The rules that apply to goods vehicles depend on the weight of your vehicle, the country you’re driving in and what you’re using the vehicle for.

EU rules

EU rules apply if the maximum weight of your vehicle or vehicle combination is more than 3.5 tonnes and you’re driving either:

  • in the UK
  • to, from or through an EU country

Some vehicles are exempt from EU rules when driven in the UK.

AETR rules

AETR (European Agreement Concerning the Work of Crews Engaged in International Road Transport) rules apply if:

GB domestic rules

GB (Great Britain) domestic rules apply in England, Wales and Scotland if any of the following are true:

  • the maximum weight of your vehicle or vehicle combination is under 3.5 tonnes
  • your vehicle is exempt from EU rules when driven in the UK
  • the vehicle is being used in connection with a trade or business

If you’ll be driving through a country outside of the UK, EU, EEA or Switzerland, you should contact the UK embassy of the country to check on local rules.

More information

Read Goods vehicles: rules on drivers’ hours and tachographs for the main rules.

Read the rules for drivers’ hours in the recovery vehicle industry.

There are specific rules for tachographs and horse boxes or trailers.