Adjustment of working conditions for chauffeurs and drivers

At a meeting on 17.11.2021, the Federal Council made some changes to working conditions of professional chauffeurs and drivers, adapting equivalent EU regulations. Most of the changes will come into force as of January 1, 2022, and mainly regulate the working, driving and rest times.

According to a communication from the Federal Council, the adjustment of the provisions is intended to create more legal certainty and a level playing field in cross-border traffic.

The following amendments shall enter into force as of January 1, 2022 (in the wording of the Federal Council):

• Chauffeurs and drivers are now exempt from the Chauffeur Ordinance if they deliver handcrafted goods within a limited radius.
• Chauffeurs and drivers are not allowed to spend the weekly rest periods of 45 hours and more in the vehicle.
• The possibility is created for drivers to take two reduced weekly rest periods in succession. However, this only applies outside the country of the company's location and must be compensated in each case.
• In the event of unforeseen circumstances, the driving time may be extended by up to two hours in order to reach the company's location or the driver's residence. However, it is a condition that a weekly rest period is taken after arrival.
• Companies should organize trips so that the chauffeur can return to the company's location or residence at least once in a four-week period for the weekly rest period.
• If a vehicle is equipped with an analog tachograph, the driver must record the border crossing by hand on the insertion sheet.
• From February 2, 2022, border crossings must also be entered manually for journeys with vehicles with digital tachographs (without position determination service). For journeys with vehicles with analog tachographs, the insert sheets for the last 56 days and no longer just the last 28 days must be carried from December 31, 2024.
• Chauffeurs and drivers who are subject to work, driving and rest time regulations and who drive winter service missions may extend the period for taking their rest from 24 to 30 hours in domestic transport. However, this exception may be used no more than once a week if there is an unforeseen assignment. A regular weekly rest period must be taken during the week in question. In addition, an extended daily rest period to be taken in one piece must be taken as compensation. This increases flexibility in the event of unforeseen assignments (e.g. due to a change in the weather).

Source: Astra