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.[1]
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:[2]
There are numerous potential exemptions to work-time requirements where any of the following applies. It is a:
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[4] as part of class 2 heavy vehicle licence training.
Paper logbooks are available in two variants:
They are triplicate (employee) or duplicate (self-employed). 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.[5]
Completed logbooks must be kept for at least 12 months after the date of the last entry.[6]
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:
The maximum number of work hours before a minimum break of 24 hours is taken is 70. There are no exemptions or exceptions. This is called the cumulative work period.
Secondary employment is counted towards the cumulative work day and cumulative work time.