From 1 November 2025, and fully applied from 2026, CE-category drivers are subject to the same definition of night work as all other employees: night working time: 22:00–06:00. 

This is a significant change because many transport companies previously used a different (narrower) night-time window — 00:00–07:00 or even 01:00–05:00, depending on internal rules. Now it is standardized for everyone — drivers, warehouse workers, office staff, etc.

What is considered night work?

Night work is considered to be any work performed at any time between 22:00 and 06:00, and these hours must be actually worked (not on-call at home). In the transport sector, this often includes driving, loading, unloading, and work-related activities during stops.

If at least 3 hours of a shift fall within this period, the shift is considered a night shift.

Why is this beneficial for drivers?

Because the new law increases the number of paid night hours. Previously, the period from 22:00 to 00:00 was often not counted as night work. From now on — this period always counts as night work.

This is especially important for drivers who:

• depart from the base in the evening,

• drive to terminals,

• perform loading/unloading at night,

• work in rotational schedules.

Keywords: work for drivers, work for long-haul drivers, working hours