Fuel tanker drivers may temporarily exceed working time limits
From 6 March to 2 April 2026, drivers on domestic ADR fuel runs may drive for longer. See which derogations from working time rules have been introduced.
With record pump prices that could soon reach 8 zł gross per litre, the authorities have decided on an extraordinary step. The wholesale price of diesel has exceeded 6300 zł net per m3 (Orlen data from 7 March 2026), triggering panic buying and long queues at distribution centres. The response is an official relaxation of working time rules for drivers carrying out domestic fuel transport.
What derogations have been introduced
From 6 March to 2 April 2026, the rules for drivers holding an ADR certificate provide for:
- Longer daily driving time of up to 11 hours.
- A higher weekly limit on driving time, of 60 hours.
- Later breaks: the break of at least 45 minutes may be taken only after 5.5 hours of driving.
- Rest in the vehicle: permission to take the regular weekly rest in the vehicle (when parked and with sleeping accommodation).
Drivers' obligations and the controversy
Drivers must record these derogations by hand on the back of the tachograph chart or digital tachograph printout, stating the reasons for using the exceptions.
The government explains the changes as necessary to keep deliveries flowing in the face of the war in Iran. The rules are nonetheless controversial: all year round, strict checks and heavy fines apply for minor breaches of working time, justified on safety grounds. Now, when carrying flammable dangerous goods, driver fatigue ceases to be an obstacle.