Minister extends temporary driving hours derogation to cover all goods transport within Ireland

FTA Ireland wishes to advise members that Minister for Transport Darragh O’Brien has approved an extension of the temporary derogation from certain driving hours and rest period requirements. From 13 April 2026, the derogation applies to the road transport and delivery of all goods within Ireland, widening the earlier measure introduced on 11 April 2026 for certain fuel transport only.

The Department of Transport said the extension was introduced in response to severe disruption across the transport network, including blockades at ports, rolling protests and road closures. The measure is intended to provide temporary flexibility for drivers and operators while supporting the recovery of supply chains during ongoing pressure on the sector.

Under the derogation, which applies for an initial period of 8 days from 13 April 2026, the following temporary measures are in place for drivers involved in the transport of all goods within Ireland:

•  Daily driving time may increase from 9 hours to 11 hours
• Maximum weekly driving time may increase from 56 hours to 60 hours
• Fortnightly driving time may increase from 90 hours to 102 hours
• Drivers may take a reduced weekly rest of at least 24 hours in each consecutive week during the derogation period. There is no requirement to take one regular weekly rest in any two consecutive weeks while the derogation remains in force, and no compensation requirement applies for reduced weekly rest taken during that period.

Operators and drivers must ensure that any additional driving time is properly recorded. Drivers using the derogation must record the reason and justification for exceeding the standard limits on the back of analogue tachograph charts or digital tachograph printouts at the end of the daily working period. Supporting documentary evidence should be retained for at least 12 months.

FTA Ireland reminds members that road safety and driver welfare must remain the overriding priority. Any use of the derogation should be treated as a last resort, and employers remain responsible for the health and safety of their employees and other road users.