Before starting a new 14 day cycle, how many consecutive hours off duty is compulsory?

To ensure that drivers maintain a high level of safety and prevent fatigue, regulations require that before starting a new 14-day cycle, a driver must complete 72 consecutive hours off duty. This rest period is essential for recovery, allowing the driver to be alert and focused when they resume driving duties. In the context of transportation regulations, such mandatory rest periods are crucial for maintaining road safety.

In comparison, shorter periods of rest such as 24, 36, or 12 hours, while beneficial in their own ways, do not fulfill the regulatory requirement for starting a new cycle. The specified 72 hours provides a comprehensive rest that is imperative for long-haul drivers who have already potentially accumulated significant hours on the road. Thus, these regulations are structured to prioritize both the safety of the driver and the integrity of road safety standards.