New Fatigue Driving Rules Issued by Ministry of Public Security: Passenger Drivers Limited to 8 Hours in 24, Effective June 2026

The Ministry of Public Security recently issued the "Rules for Identifying Fatigued Driving by Motor Vehicle Drivers" (GA/T 2372-2026), which will take effect nationwide on June 1, 2026. Moving away from relying solely on continuous driving duration, the new rules adopt a three-dimensional assessment system based on "driving behavior + physiological state + daily activity patterns." Fatigued driving is explicitly defined to include the following scenarios: - Driving continuously for more than four hours without taking a break, or taking a break shorter than 20 minutes; - Passenger transport drivers operating vehicles continuously for over two hours between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. without required rest; - Passenger transport drivers accumulating more than eight hours of driving within any 24-hour period. Additionally, fatigued driving may also be determined if, within 10 minutes prior to an accident, the driver is observed to have had their eyes closed for more than two consecutive seconds, exhibited electroencephalogram (EEG) readings below 30, or shown signs of mental confusion, insufficient sleep, or other abnormal conditions confirmed through investigation. The new regulations provide quantifiable criteria for determining liability in traffic accidents and impose stricter requirements on passenger transport professionals.