Work-time
Work-time is the New Zealand equivalent of drivers' working hours, or time spent doing work-related tasks in an occupation subject to Land Transport Rule Work Time and Logbooks 2007, Rule 62001.
Work-time application
The rules are applied to drivers and transport operators and govern maximum periods of work time and minimum rest times. The rules apply if, at any time during a cumulative work period, a person drives or operates a vehicle that:- requires a class 2, 3, 4 or 5 heavy vehicle driver licence, or
- is driven or operated in a transport service, or
- is used in circumstances in which the vehicle must, or ought to be operated under a transport service licence, or
- is used to carry goods for hire or reward.
Exemptions
There are numerous potential exemptions to work-time requirements where any of the following applies. It is a:- vehicle which requires a class 1 or 2 licence and is used within a 50km radius of the operator’s usual business location or from a "base of operations"
- vehicle not used for hire or reward
- school bus
- police or army vehicle
- motorhome
- mobile crane
- vintage heavy vehicle
- special-type vehicle such as a forklift truck, road roller or roadside maintenance vehicle
- vehicle recovery service vehicle
- urban bus
Logbooks and time-keeping
All drivers of vehicles subject to work-time rules must keep one current logbook in the vehicle while driving. The logbook must be up-to-date to the most recent period of rest time. Drivers complete a logbook course as part of class 2 heavy vehicle licence training.Paper logbooks are available in two variants:
- Heavy vehicle
- Small passenger service vehicle
Each logbook sheet has a white top copy, a yellow duplicate for the employer and a pink copy that may be requested by enforcement officers.
Electronic logbooks are available and must be approved by NZ Transport Agency. They are seen as a way to avoid falsification of logbook records.
Completed logbooks must be kept for at least 12 months after the date of the last entry.
Work-time limits
Drivers and operators are permitted to work up to 5.5 hours before they must take a rest period of at least 30 minutes; taxi drivers taking short fares can work up to 7 hours before taking a break.The maximum number of work hours before a minimum break of 10 hours is taken is 13. This is called the cumulative work day. Work-time can be extended through:
- unavoidable delays
- civil emergency
- essential repair work
- authorised work-time variations
Secondary employment is counted towards the cumulative work day and cumulative work time.