A comprehensive 2026 analysis of Regulation (EU) 2024/1258: New flexibilities for occasional and regular passenger transport.
Passenger road transport operates under a logic vastly different from goods transport. The need to adapt to tourist schedules and irregular itineraries led the European Union to approve Regulation (EU) 2024/1258, which modifies Regulation (EC) 561/2006 to offer greater operational flexibility for coach drivers.
In 2026, understanding these nuances is vital to avoid heavy penalties. A bus driver applying standard cargo rules might lose crucial operational flexibility that determines the profitability of a tour route. The use of second-generation smart tachographs now allows these times to be monitored with unprecedented precision, linking the data directly to the .DDD file for auditing.
This is the cornerstone exception for long-distance tourism. It allows drivers to postpone their weekly rest period until the end of a single occasional international service.
For a coach driver to drive up to 12 consecutive days without a weekly rest, they must meet:
If driving occurs during night hours (22:00 to 06:00), the uninterrupted driving period is reduced, or a second driver is required in multi-manning to ensure passenger safety.
Unlike goods transport, where the 45-minute break can only be split into 15+30 minutes in that specific order, occasional bus drivers now hold a competitive edge in 2026.
The updated regulation allows splitting the 45-minute break into periods of at least 15 minutes each (e.g., three 15-minute breaks), provided the total adds up to 45 minutes within the 4.5-hour driving window. This is ideal for brief stops at monuments or landmarks that don't reach the mandatory 30 minutes required in freight transport.
It is crucial that during these short stops, the driver correctly uses the activity selector. If the driver leaves the bus to assist with luggage, they must mark "Other Work." If they are simply resting while passengers visit a site, they must mark "Rest/Break."
For a bus company, a tachograph infringement is more than just a fine; it affects the Risk Rating System (ERRU). If the rating exceeds certain thresholds, the company may lose its "Good Repute" and, consequently, its license to operate.
| TYPE OF OFFENCE | SEVERITY | CONSEQUENCE |
|---|---|---|
| Exceeding 12 days without rest | Very Serious | €2,001 fine and loss of good repute. |
| Incorrect use of Manual Records | Serious | €1,001 fine per period without data. |
| Failure to register V2 border crossing | Very Serious | Automatic sanction under the Mobility Package. |
The bus sector is arguably the one that benefits most from strict tachograph data control. The flexibility allowed by law is only safe if it can be proven during an inspection. TachoTools provides the necessary tools to validate that your drivers are making the most of the "12-day rule" and split breaks without crossing the line into illegality.
Check if your international services comply with Regulation 2024/1258.
Visualize driver rest periods and 12-day exceptions centrally with TachoTools.
Plans for Passenger Fleets