Federal Council decides on new EU rules for trucks: More security in traffic!

Federal Council decides on new EU rules for trucks: More security in traffic!

Österreich - On May 27, 2025, the Federal Council unanimously decided on new EU-compliant provisions on steering and rest periods in freight traffic. This happened after the National Council had already given its approval to the changes. The regulations are part of a comprehensive novella that concerns the Driving Act, the Working Hours Act and the Work -The Restrict Act. The initiators of the changes are the parties ÖVP, SPÖ and NEOS who aim to promote fair competition in freight transport and increase traffic safety. According to OTS are the new provisions in line with EU specifications, but not fully implemented in Austria.

A central goal of these regulations is to terminate the violation procedure initiated by the EU Commission. According to the provisions, professional drivers must comply with European regulations on steering and rest periods. These apply to trucks with a weight of more than 3.5 tons and buses that promote more than ten people. Interestingly, some exceptions from these regulations are possible, which affect personnel traffic or vehicles for humanitarian aid, among other things. Details can be read on the website of EU

important regulations for practice

The new steering times provide for a maximum daily steering time of 9 hours, which can be increased twice a week to 10 hours. A maximum steering time of 90 hours is allowed within two weeks. The rest periods are also clearly regulated: after four hours of steering time, at least 45 minutes of break must be taken. In addition, the weekly rest is at least 45 hours and must be spent outside the vehicle. Companies are obliged to cover the costs for the accommodation of the drivers if they are not at home during their missions. These provisions are part of the more comprehensive changes that came into force on August 20, 2023 and aim to improve working conditions and safety in road traffic, such as Dekra

The sovereign rights granted in relation to vehicle use are in line with the goals of eliminating competition distortions in freight power. While the SPÖ is praising the increase in security on Austria's streets, especially in truck accidents, the FPÖ calls for a precise practical implementation of the new regulations. The Greens, on the other hand, criticize working conditions and are committed to relocating freight traffic to rail, which, however, did not find a majority in the vote.

Transport Minister Peter Hanke pointed out the importance of cross -party approval and emphasized how decisive the new provisions for occupational safety are in the transport sector. In view of the high number of violations of working and rest periods, this is a significant step towards improving working conditions in truck traffic.