Assimilated (formerly known as EU) rules apply if a vehicle, whether combined with a trailer or not, weighing over 3.5 tonnes is used for transporting goods (e.g., grain, livestock) on public roads and the journey is outside the 100 km radius from the farm base.
In these cases, the use of a tachograph is mandatory.
It is worth noting that the Assimilated rules offer three exemptions for vehicles used in agriculture:
- Vehicles that transport goods as part of an agricultural undertaking within a 100km radius of the business address.
- Agricultural tractors used for agricultural activities, within a radius of up to 100km from the base of who owns, hires, or leases the vehicle.
- Vehicles used to carry live animals between a farm and market and vice versa, or from markets to local slaughterhouses within a radius of up to 100km.
When any of these exemptions apply, GB laws come into force regarding drivers’ hours for these vehicles.
For vehicles, whether combined with a trailer or not, weighing under 3.5 tonnes, only GB domestic rules apply.
As it can be challenging to consider these rules in isolation, it is best to consider some practical examples.
For harvesting and grain carting, using an HGV to move grain from field to store within 100 km of the farm base is exempt from Assimilated rules and only GB domestic rules apply.
When transporting animals to a local market within 100 km the journey is exempt from Assimilated rules and only GB domestic rules apply.
For long-distance haulage, such as transporting grain to a distant port over 100 km from the farm base, that journey would be handled under the Assimilated rules.
Farmers must determine the applicable regime, whether Assimilated or GB domestic, based on the vehicle weight, journey purpose, and distance from the farm base.
Most local agricultural journeys within 100 km are exempt from Assimilated rules and subject to the more flexible GB domestic rules.
However, longer journeys may require tachograph use.
Consideration needs to be taken before each and every journey.
Seeking professional guidance is always wise if you worry about breaking the rules.
Our specialist team can support you with compliance awareness so that you do not get caught out by changes. Contact Jared Dunbar today for help.