Roadside inspections of the safety of commercial vehicles

This Directive seeks to improve road safety and to reduce the negative environmental impacts of commercial vehicles. It sets out minimum requirements and harmonised rules for the technical roadside inspection of these vehicles within the European Union (EU).

ACT

Directive 2014/47/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3 April 2014 on the technical roadside inspection of the roadworthiness of commercial vehicles circulating in the Union and repealing Directive 2000/30/EC.

SUMMARY

WHAT DOES THIS DIRECTIVE DO?

This Directive seeks to improve road safety and to reduce the negative environmental impacts of commercial vehicles. It sets out minimum requirements and harmonised rules for the technical roadside inspection of these vehicles within the European Union (EU).

This law was adopted alongside revised rules on vehicle registration documents and a new Directive on periodic roadworthiness tests for vehicles.

Scope

The law covers buses and coaches (categories M2 & M3), trucks (N2 & N3) and trailers of over 3,5 tonnes (O3 & O4), as well as tractors used for commercial road haulage and capable of over 40 km/h (T5).

EU countries may also carry out inspections on vehicles not covered by this law, such as light commercial vehicles, or carry out inspections in places other than public roads.

Inspections

These comprise initial and, where necessary, more detailed inspections focusing in particular on brakes, tyres, wheels and chassis, as well as nuisances (noise, exhaust emissions, etc.). The rate of inspections is expected to be proportionate to the number of vehicles registered in each EU country. The aim is for at least 5 % of all commercial vehicles registered in the EU to be inspected each year.

Inspectors

Inspectors must not discriminate on grounds of the nationality of the driver or of the country of registration when selecting a vehicle for inspection. They must be free from any conflict of interest that might compromise their impartiality, and remuneration must not be dependent on the outcome of their inspections.

Drivers' responsibilities

Drivers are required to carry on the vehicle its most recent roadworthiness certificate, as well as the most recent roadside inspection report, if available. Drivers must also cooperate with inspectors and give them access to the vehicle, its parts and documentation.

Risk-rating system

From 2019, EU countries must use risk-rating systems enabling inspectors to identify transport companies with a high risk profile so that they may be checked more closely and frequently.

Securing of cargo

The law includes principles for inspections and applicable standards for cargo securing, as well as for the assessment of defects.

Defects

Defects are classified as minor, major or dangerous. Any major or dangerous deficiency revealed by an inspection must be rectified before the vehicle is further used on public roads.

Information exchange

EU countries will each designate a contact point to ensure information exchanges and assist the contact points of other EU countries. Countries are also expected to regularly participate in concerted roadside inspection activities with neighbouring EU states.

WHEN DOES THE DIRECTIVE APPLY?

This law applies from 20.5.2018.

RELATED ACTS

Directive 2014/45/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3 April 2014 on periodic roadworthiness tests for motor vehicles and their trailers and repealing Directive 2009/40/EC (OJ L 127, 29.04.2014, p. 51-128).

Directive 2014/46/EU of the European Parliament and of the Council of 3 April 2014 amending Council Directive 1999/37/EC on the registration documents for vehicles (OJ L 127, 29.4.2014, p. 129-133).

Last updated: 23.09.2014