Requirement for truck drivers to take breaks

Question

[b] [/b] We would like to enquire whether there is any legislation regulating the amount of hours truck drivers are allowed to work on a single shift, and also whether it is a requirement for truck drivers to take breaks after certain intervals. [b]

Answer

[/b] At this stage there is no legislation within the National Road Traffic Act (NRTA) - this is covered by the Labour Act / Organised Labour and Unions through basic conditions of employment - but does not specify driving hours per se. The NRTA does refer to operators being required to ensure proper control over drivers (section 50 (2) (b)), but is not specific in any regard. The process is, however, being started for public comment / participation regarding the regulation of this aspect (as was previously done by the former Road Traffic Act - 29 of 1989).