Derogations from drivers’ driving time rules in France due to wildfires

France has introduced temporary derogations from the driving time and rest period rules for drivers carrying out transport operations connected with fighting forest fires. The exemption remains in force until 8 August 2026 and allows, among other things, the daily driving time to be extended by two hours.

The exemption does not apply to all transport operations. It covers only the transport of products, fuel, water, machinery, equipment and other materials required by services conducting firefighting operations and forestry work. The derogations may be applied to transport operations carried out from and to the Nouvelle-Aquitaine region.

Under the regulation of 27 July, drivers carrying out such transport operations may exceed the maximum daily driving time by two hours and the weekly driving time by four hours. It is also permitted to take reduced daily rest periods between two weekly rest periods.

The rules also allow drivers to take two reduced weekly rest periods in two consecutive weeks. However, the reduction must be compensated by an equivalent period of rest taken in one uninterrupted block before the end of the week following the second reduced weekly rest period.

All other French rules concerning drivers’ working time and rest periods must still be observed. Due to the emergency situation, the regulation entered into force immediately after its publication in the French Official Journal on 28 July.

In addition, to facilitate travel in the affected areas, the Gironde prefecture provides an interactive map showing roads closed to traffic and the diversions introduced.

LINK to the map ❗

The French road transport organisation OTRE has also announced that a separate regulation is being prepared to ease the nationwide weekend driving bans for heavy goods vehicles. The document would remain in force until 31 August 2026.

At this stage, however, these are only announcements. Until the regulation is officially published, transport operators should comply with the restrictions currently in force.

The traffic situation in areas affected by the fires remains dynamic. The Gironde prefecture provides an updated map of closed roads and designated diversion routes. Transport companies planning to travel through endangered areas should regularly check announcements issued by local authorities.