Austrian Work Time Act updated with new truck and bus driver rules
Austria has added a new section defining rules for professional truck and bus drivers, including key terms like regulated vehicles, analog and digital tachographs, and regional bus services. The update incorporates EU regulations on road transport working conditions and takes effect August 5, 2026.
What changed
The law now includes Section 4 with detailed definitions for truck and bus driver regulations. New terms are defined: a 'regulated vehicle' (VO-Fahrzeug) covers trucks over 3.5 tonnes or 2.5–3.5 tonnes used in cross-border or cabotage transport, and buses designed for more than nine passengers; 'analog tachograph' and 'digital tachograph' refer to recording devices; and 'regional bus service' means bus routes up to 50 km. The section references EU Regulations 561/2006 and 165/2014 on road transport working hours and tachographs.
Who is affected
Professional drivers of trucks and buses in Austria are directly affected, along with transport companies and bus operators. The rules apply when operating on public roads and incorporate European Union standards for working time and vehicle monitoring.
What to look out for
Drivers and transport operators should note that 'regulated vehicles' include not just large trucks but also smaller trucks (2.5–3.5 tonnes) used for cross-border or cabotage transport. Certain vehicles may be exempt under EU regulations. Digital and analog tachographs have specific technical definitions tied to EU law, so ensure your vehicle's recording device complies.