GB Domestic Driving Rules – Explained Simply (UK)

GB Domestic driving rules apply only in specific UK-only situations and are often misunderstood.
They do not automatically replace EU drivers’ hours rules, and in many cases drivers assume they are on domestic rules when they are not.

This page explains when GB Domestic rules apply, when they don’t, and where drivers most often get caught during inspections.

The 50 km rule – when domestic rules can apply

GB Domestic rules generally apply to UK-only driving within 50 km of the vehicle’s operating centre (base).

This distance is measured by road, not “as the crow flies”.

Important:

• Once work goes beyond 50 km, EU drivers’ hours usually apply
• Mixing work inside and outside the 50 km radius can invalidate domestic status
• The type and pattern of work matter as much as distance

When do GB Domestic rules apply?

Domestic rules may apply when all of the following are true:

• The work is UK-only
• The operation stays within 50 km of base
• The vehicle and activity fall outside EU scope
• No EU-regulated driving is carried out during the relevant period

Even then, domestic status should not be assumed without checking the full context.

When GB Domestic rules do NOT apply (most common mistake)

This is where most drivers get caught.

GB Domestic rules do not apply if:

• EU drivers’ hours driving has already been done during the week
• The vehicle is subject to EU rules for any part of the work
• Work exceeds 50 km from base
• Domestic and EU work are mixed incorrectly
• The driver assumes “UK roads = domestic rules”

Once EU rules apply, you cannot simply switch back to domestic rules at will.

GB Domestic limits – in practice

Under GB Domestic rules, limits are based on:

• Daily driving time
• Daily duty time
• Break requirements
• Rest logic different from EU rules

However:

Domestic rules are often easier to breach accidentally than EU rules, because drivers rely on assumptions rather than clear records.

GB Domestic driving limits

Under GB Domestic rules, the main limits are:

Daily driving

• Maximum driving time: 10 hours per day

Daily duty time

• Maximum duty time: 11 hours per day

Duty time includes:

• driving
• other work
• time spent supervising or assisting loading/unloading

Break requirements under GB Domestic rules

Breaks under domestic rules are not the same as EU rules.

• After 5.5 hours of driving, a break of at least 30 minutes must be taken
  OR
• After 8.5 hours of driving, total breaks must be at least 45 minutes

Important:

• Breaks can be split
• Breaks interrupt driving, not duty
• Taking a break does not reset daily driving or duty limits

Rest requirements under GB Domestic rules

Domestic rules use a simpler rest concept than EU rules:

• Daily rest: drivers must not exceed daily duty limits
• There is no EU-style reduced / regular daily rest system
• Rest is assessed primarily against daily duty time

However:

Domestic rest compliance is often judged strictly during inspections, especially when work patterns look similar to EU driving.

GB Domestic vs EU rules – what really changes

Key differences:

• Domestic rules allow 10 hours driving daily
• Duty time replaces EU working and driving structure
• Break logic is simpler but easier to breach accidentally
• Enforcement focuses on patterns, not individual days

What does NOT change:

• Inspection standards
• Driver responsibility
• Penalties for incorrect rule use

Need help with a real case?

GB Domestic rules are frequently misapplied, especially in mixed work patterns.

If you are unsure which rules apply to your work, or how your records would be interpreted during an inspection, you can get help with a specific case via the support section.

Related explanations

• Fixed Week Explained
• Weekly Rest Explained
• Daily Driving Limits Explained
• Working Time Directive (WTD) Explained