Due to ongoing blockades affecting transport routes and the increased demand for liquid fuel, the Minister for Transport has approved a temporary relaxation of driving and rest rules for drivers transporting liquid fuel (home heating oil or propellant) within Ireland.
This change is effective from April 11, 2026, for an initial period of 8 days.
Here are the temporary changes to note if you’re transporting liquid fuel:
- Daily Driving Limit: Increased from 9 hours to 11 hours, but only twice a week.
- Weekly Driving Limit: Increased from 56 hours to 60 hours.
- Fortnightly Driving Limit: Increased from 90 hours to 102 hours.
- Weekly Rest: You can now take a reduced weekly rest of at least 24 hours in each consecutive week during this period. There’s no obligation to take a regular weekly rest period (45 hours) in any two consecutive weeks, and no compensation is required for the reduced rest.
Crucially, it is still your responsibility to ensure road safety.
- Do not drive if you are tired. This derogation offers flexibility, but it does not mean you should compromise your safety or the safety of other road users by driving while fatigued.
- Your employer is still responsible for your health and safety.
- Record Keeping: You must record any extra driving time, along with the reasons and justification, on your tachograph charts or printouts as soon as you finish your daily work. These records must be kept for 12 months
- Last Resort: Deviating from the normal driving and rest rules should only be a last resort.
Other European Union countries will be informed of this temporary change, so you should not face enforcement actions in those countries based on these relaxed Irish rules.
From: Department of Transport
Published on: 11 April 2026
Last updated on: 11 April 2026