Spain temporarily extends driving time for truck drivers after massive power outage

The Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility in Spain has approved a temporary regulation that relaxes the rules on driving time and rest periods for drivers engaged in road freight and passenger transport.

The blackout caused severe disruptions in the transport sector. Both freight and passenger transport operations were affected. Traffic congestion in several cities and communication issues prevented drivers from accessing essential information, such as which fuel stations were operating or how to contact their operations centers. The situation was further worsened by supply chain disruptions, which led to product shortages in commerce and a spike in transport demand the day after the outage.

In response, the Ministry has decided to introduce exemptions to allow professional drivers to manage their working and rest time more flexibly. The goal is to enable the completion of planned transport services without additional complications.

Changes for freight transport (in effect from April 28 to May 4, inclusive):

❌ Daily driving time extended from 9 to 11 hours
❌ Weekly driving time extended from 56 to 60 hours
❌ Fortnightly driving time extended from 90 to 96 hours
❌ Maximum uninterrupted driving time extended from 4.5 to 5 hours
❌ Minimum daily rest reduced from 11 to 9 hours
❌ Option to take two reduced weekly rest periods in a row (at least 24 hours each), provided they are compensated during the next full weekly rest; or to postpone the start of the weekly rest period beyond six consecutive 24-hour periods.

Changes for passenger transport (in effect from April 28 to April 30, inclusive):

❌ Daily driving time extended from 9 to 11 hours
❌ Maximum uninterrupted driving time extended from 4.5 to 5 hours
❌ Minimum daily rest reduced from 11 to 9 hours

The Ministry emphasizes that these measures are temporary and solely aimed at restoring the continuity of transport services in an exceptional situation.

Source: Spanish Ministry of Transport