The rules of the work and rest regime for drivers in Russia have already changed several times, the last time seriously in 2021. On September 1, 2026, another adjustment comes into force, which primarily concerns companies with split shifts.
What exactly is changing
Before the changes: a driver could drive a car for up to 10 hours per shift no more than twice a week. This rule was valid without exceptions.
After the changes: if the working day is divided into parts (with a break in the middle), the driver will be able to work up to 10 hours per shift more than twice a week. At the same time, two limits must be observed: no more than 56 hours of management per week and no more than 90 hours of management for any two consecutive weeks.
If the shift is not divided into parts, the rule remains the same. A maximum of 10 hours no more than twice a week.
Who really cares about this
The change is relevant for carriers with split shifts, primarily urban delivery, courier services with daytime and evening windows, and regional flights with intermediate stops. For long—range routes with continuous control, the rule does not change.
Fines under Article 11.23 of the Administrative Code of the Russian Federation
For violation of the work and rest regime: — driver — up to 2,000 rubles — official — up to 10,000 rubles — sole proprietor — up to 25,000 rubles — legal entity — up to 50,000 rubles
Penalties are applied when checking the tachograph or waybill. Taking into account the fact that SPOT and ECUTD (in Kazakhstan) are tightening control over transportation in general, the likelihood of verification is increasing.
What needs to be done before September 1st
Review the schedules of drivers with split shifts to check how the new rules affect the current schedule. Make sure that the tachographs correctly record the time of the split shifts. Update the briefing of drivers and officials on the new limits.
