Anybody got any news on this update regarding the changes
Tired drivers could face unlimited fines and even prison following changes to the Highway Code Rule 91
I found this info gov.uk/guidance/the-highway … -89-to-102
the recent changes to the Highway Code we reported on 14th September, namely ‘Rule 91’ could mean drivers now face unlimited fines and even prison time if it is ‘proven’ they have not had enough sleep or rest prior to their ‘long’ journey.
Here is how the updated Rule 91 now reads on the official gov.uk website
Driving when you are tired greatly increases your risk of collision.
To minimise this risk
make sure you are fit to drive. Do not begin a journey if you are tired. Get sufficient sleep before embarking on a long journey
avoid undertaking long journeys between midnight and 6 am, when natural alertness is at a minimum
plan your journey to take sufficient breaks. A minimum break of at least 15 minutes after every two hours of driving is recommended
if you feel sleepy, stop in a safe place. Do not stop in an emergency area or on a hard shoulder of a motorway (see Rule 262 for guidance on places to take a break when travelling on motorways).
Although the Highway Code in general is referring to motorists, it also applies in full and even more so to vocational drivers. It is by the very nature of a vocational driver’s obligation to record their hours that they will be far more likely to fall foul of this new rule.
The records held on their driver digital card could be used to prove they had been driving fatigued, whereas with a motorist this would naturally be very difficult to prove at all.