THE Irish Stablestaff Association is reminding box drivers and trainers to ensure they are not breaking the law by spending too much time on the road this summer.

Bernard Caldwell, chairman of the ISA, said: “A lot of box drivers are unknowingly contravening the rules, which were updated this year. This is an important safety issue and also it is the drivers who will be punished by law and not their employers. We know that the summer racing schedule is very busy and everyone is under pressure but we have to obey the rules of the road. Trainers should consider getting a second driver or sharing the job themselves if possible.”

DRIVER REGULATIONS

  • The longest period you can drive without a break is 4.5hr.
  • You must take an uninterrupted 45min break or 15min break followed by a later 30min break during the 4.5hr limit.
  • During the break you must not drive or do any other work.
  • Maximum hours driving each day: 9hr (this may be extended to 10hr no more than twice a week).
  • The maximum time you can drive each week is 56hr. You must not drive more than 90hr in two consecutive weeks.
  • A driver must take a daily rest period of 11hr. This can be taken as an uninterrupted 11hr or split in two - an uninterrupted rest of at least 3hr and a second uninterrupted rest of at least 9hr.

    • Failure to comply with these regulations could lead to penalties for the driver.

    Web: rsa.ie

    Tel: 1890 40 60 40