I work as a driver for a road transport company in Visakhapatnam, what are my working hour limits and rest rules?
AN Asked by Anita Desai from India
Quick Answer
Motor transport workers are regulated by the Motor Transport Workers Act, 1961, and the Andhra Pradesh Rent Control Act 1960 rules for its implementation in your state.
Detailed Legal Analysis
Motor transport workers are regulated by the Motor Transport Workers Act, 1961, and the Andhra Pradesh Rent Control Act 1960 rules for its implementation in your state. A driver's working hours, including driving and other duties, cannot exceed 8 hours a day and 54 hours a week.
The Andhra Pradesh High Court has held that overworking drivers endangers public safety and the employer can be held liable for negligence. The employer in Visakhapatnam must provide a rest period of at least 30 minutes after every 5 hours of work, and a weekly rest day.
The vehicle must be equipped with a tachograph or trip log to record driving hours. The employer must also provide first aid, drinking water, and medical examination of drivers.
Non-compliance attracts penalty under the Act.
Disclaimer: AI-generated for educational purposes only. Does not constitute legal advice. Consult a qualified practitioner.