Uncovered multiple breaches by police
In a recent large-scale traffic control operation on the A3 motorway at Weiskirchen-Nord, German authorities took a firm stance against violations in commercial goods transport. The operation, which also included inspections for drug use, vehicle overloading, and other infractions, resulted in several penalties and vehicle seizures.
Twelve violations of the Road Traffic Act were penalized, including excessive speeds, insufficient safety distances, and phone use while driving. One driver was found to have traveled beyond the permitted distance due to non-adherence to driving and rest times, and a procedure was initiated against the vehicle owner with a potential fine of around 6,000 euros.
The regulations governing driving and rest times in commercial goods transport in Germany are primarily based on EU rules harmonized across member states. According to EU Regulation (EC) No 561/2006, a driver must not drive more than 9 hours per day, with this limit extendable to 10 hours twice a week. The total driving time must not exceed 56 hours per week, and the total driving hours over two consecutive weeks may not exceed 90 hours.
After a maximum of 4.5 hours of driving, a driver must take a break of at least 45 minutes unless starting a rest period. Daily rest periods must be at least 11 hours, which may be reduced to 9 hours no more than three times between two weekly rest periods. Weekly rest periods must be at least 45 hours, which can be reduced to 24 hours every other week but must be compensated. Drivers must record their driving and rest times using tachographs, devices mandatory in commercial goods transport vehicles.
These regulations aim to improve road safety and driver health by preventing fatigue-related accidents. In addition to the penalties issued during the operation, nine vehicles were temporarily taken out of service, one truck was taken off the road due to faulty brakes, and another was found to be 45% over the permitted weight.
The operation also revealed instances of non-compliance with social regulations in commercial goods transport, with 14 violations found involving non-adherence to driving and rest times. One person was caught allegedly driving under the influence of cocaine and was taken to the station for a blood test.
Customs also registered five offenses involving tobacco products, and persons from third countries had exceeded the duty-free limit for cigarettes. Additionally, officers found 14 instances of violations of social regulations in commercial goods transport, involving non-adherence to driving and rest times.
In some cases, traffic offenders resident outside Germany were required to pay additional taxes and security deposits totaling over 10,000 euros. However, no information was provided about any warrants being executed or fines being avoided.
This operation underscores Germany's commitment to maintaining strict enforcement of road safety regulations in commercial transport, reflecting the importance of ensuring the safety of all road users.
- The enforcement of driving and rest time regulations in Germany's commercial goods transport industry is crucial for improving transportation safety and preventing fatigue-related accidents.
- The finance sector plays a role in the operation, as traffic offenders from outside Germany were required to pay additional taxes and security deposits, totaling over 10,000 euros.
