kjøretidskvoter

Kjøretidskvoter is a system of regulations that limits the amount of driving time that commercial truck drivers may perform within a specified period. The quota is designed to reduce fatigue, improve road safety, and curb the high rates of driving‑related accidents among long‑haul drivers. Under the Norwegian transport law, a driver is permitted to drive a maximum of 9 hours in a day, or 12 hours over an extended 4‑day period, after which a mandatory rest period of at least 11 hours is required. Additionally, the law imposes a 40‑hour driving limit in any 7‑day period and a 50‑hour limit over a 4‑day stretch. These hours may be distributed across several drivers using a shared driving arrangement.

The quotas are enforced through electronic logs and digital tachographs, which record driving, idle, and rest periods. Inspections by road authorities can verify compliance, and non‑compliance may result in fines, license suspension, or revocation. The system is part of a broader European Union directive aimed at harmonizing road safety standards for heavy goods vehicles.

Critics argue that strict quotas can reduce efficiency and increase operational costs for logistics companies, while proponents claim significant reductions in driver fatigue‑related incidents. Empirical studies following implementation in Norway and other EU member states suggest a notable decline in accidents involving commercial vehicles. The system continues to be reviewed and updated in consultation with transport unions, industry stakeholders, and road safety agencies to balance safety objectives with economic considerations.