Key points
- The derogation applies to transport operations to and from the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.
- Daily driving time may be extended by up to two hours.
- The weekly driving limit may be exceeded by up to four hours.
- Drivers may take a higher number of reduced daily and weekly rest periods.
- The measures apply through 8 August 2026 (inclusive).
The measure follows an escalation in forest fires and the need to maintain supply flows for emergency and security services operating in the field.
French authorities have classified the situation as an exceptional circumstance under Article 14(2) of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006, which allows Member States to introduce temporary derogations from EU rules on driving times and rest periods in urgent cases.
Which operations are covered
Under a decree dated 27 July 2026, the exemptions apply to the carriage of goods, vehicles, equipment, materials and machinery used in wildfire-response operations. This includes deliveries of fire-retardant products, water tankers, specialist equipment and construction machinery. Fuel deliveries for equipment operating on site are also included.
Forestry-related movements are also covered. Services may require heavy machinery to create firebreaks, as well as transport linked to felling operations and the clearing of fallen trees.
The aim is to keep essential transport capacity available for firefighting operations and for securing threatened areas.
Up to two additional hours of driving
For drivers carrying out the specified operations, the decree allows the maximum daily driving time to be exceeded by up to two hours. Weekly driving time may be extended by up to four hours.
The flexibilities are limited to transport operations to and from Nouvelle-Aquitaine and must be directly connected to the wildfire response.
More flexibility on reduced daily rest
The temporary rules also broaden the use of reduced rest periods. All daily rest periods taken between two weekly rest periods may be taken as reduced rests. Under standard EU rules, the number of such reductions is limited.
Drivers may also take two reduced weekly rest periods across two consecutive weeks.
However, the reduction must be compensated. An equivalent rest period must be taken in one block before the end of the week following the second reduced weekly rest.
Safety and health rules still apply
While the decree temporarily extends operational limits for eligible drivers, it does not suspend French rules on working time, health protection and safety. The text states that the derogations must be applied in line with the provisions of the French Transport Code governing drivers’ working time and rest.
In practice, the additional driving allowances cannot be used to circumvent obligations related to driver health and workplace safety.
In force through 8 August
The decree was signed on 27 July and published in France’s Official Journal on 28 July 2026. It took effect upon publication and will remain in force through 8 August 2026 (inclusive).
France is also required to notify the European Commission that the derogations have been applied, following the procedure set out in Article 14(2) of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006.
Drivers’ working time and rest remain subject to compliance checks, and increased roadside checks may affect operations during the period.
