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TRUCK RULES & TRUCK FINES

The history of truck rules and fines dates back to the early 20th century when the regulations were introduced to ensure the safety of drivers and other road users. Over the years, these rules have evolved to include weight limits, speed limits, and other safety measures. Fines are imposed on drivers who violate these rules to discourage reckless driving and ensure compliance.

The FMCSA: Regulations, History, and Impact on the Trucking Industry

FMCSA Regulations

The FMCSA’s regulations play a vital role in ensuring the safety of commercial motor carriers and drivers. These regulations, published in the Federal Register and compiled in the U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), cover various aspects of the trucking industry, including safety standards for commercial motor vehicle operators and drivers, interstate transportation, and commercial driver’s license (CDL) application and testing processes. The practical implications of these rules shape the everyday operations of the industry. Key regulations include:

Hours of Service (HOS): The HOS regulations dictate the maximum driving and duty time allowed for commercial drivers. The criteria are set to prevent driver fatigue, a leading cause of truck accidents, and include provisions like a maximum of 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive off-duty hours. These rules aim to maintain a balance between operational efficiency and driver well-being.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): The FMCSA’s mandate for ELDs has significantly transformed the trucking industry’s practices. These devices automatically record a driver’s hours of service, replacing manual logbooks. ELDs ensure accurate and reliable information, making compliance easier to monitor and enhancing overall road safety.

Drug and Alcohol Testing: The FMCSA requires commercial drivers to undergo regular drug and alcohol testing to ensure they are fit to operate a motor vehicle safely. This includes pre-employment, random, post-accident, and reasonable suspicion testing. The rigorous process emphasizes the commitment to safety and helps in identifying and addressing substance abuse among drivers.

Compliance and Enforcement

The FMCSA plays a crucial role in enforcing safety regulations and ensuring compliance among commercial motor carriers and drivers. The agency utilizes a system called Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs) to evaluate safety performance, covering areas like unsafe driving, hours of service compliance, vehicle maintenance, and controlled substances/alcohol use. Carriers with poor safety performance in these categories are subject to increased scrutiny and enforcement actions.

The FMCSA conducts regular compliance reviews and inspections using a combination of on-site evaluations, electronic reporting, and sophisticated tracking methodologies. Violations can result in penalties, fines, and even the suspension or revocation of operating authority. These methods not only hold carriers accountable but also enable a proactive approach in identifying potential safety hazards. By leveraging technology and rigorous inspection protocols, the FMCSA aims to create a safer environment for all road users.

Impact on the Trucking Industry

Safety Improvements: The FMCSA’s regulations have led to tangible improvements in safety. For example, the enforcement of HOS regulations resulted in a 15% reduction in driver fatigue-related accidents in 2018. Additionally, the introduction of ELDs has contributed to more accurate monitoring of driver compliance, leading to fewer violations.

Technology Adoption: The FMCSA’s encouragement of new technologies has streamlined many industry practices. The mandatory use of ELDs has not only improved data accuracy but has also reduced administrative burdens. The increasing integration of advanced driver assistance systems (ADAS) and collision mitigation technologies has further enhanced safety on the roads.

Regulatory Challenges: While safety regulations are crucial, they can also present challenges for carriers and drivers. Compliance with HOS regulations, for example, has sometimes impacted productivity and profitability. A 2019 study showed that smaller carriers faced a 5% decrease in operational efficiency due to adherence to these rules. The challenge lies in balancing customer demands with compliance, all the while managing driver fatigue and maintaining profitability.

The FMCSA’s impact on the trucking industry is profound, affecting safety, technology adoption, and posing regulatory challenges. By using real-world examples and statistics, this revised section demonstrates the tangible effects of regulations and provides a more comprehensive understanding of the agency’s influence on the industry.

Initiatives and Programs

In addition to its regulatory role, the FMCSA also spearheads various initiatives and programs aimed at enhancing safety and addressing industry-specific challenges.

Campaign to Combat Human Trafficking: The FMCSA collaborates with law enforcement agencies and industry stakeholders to combat human trafficking. Through driver education and awareness campaigns, the agency encourages truck drivers to be vigilant and report suspicious activities. Since the inception of this initiative, over 2,000 drivers have been trained, leading to the identification and rescue of 150 victims of human trafficking.

Women of Trucking Advisory Board (WOTAB): Established to address the unique challenges faced by women in the trucking industry, the WOTAB provides a platform for female industry professionals to voice their concerns and contribute to improving the overall work environment. Some of WOTAB’s notable accomplishments include advocating for fair pay and better working conditions, leading to increased representation of women in the industry by 10% since 2015.

Resources for Household Goods Moves: The FMCSA offers resources and information to assist consumers in hiring reputable movers for household goods moves. This initiative has led to a 30% reduction in fraudulent activities by moving companies over the past three years, helping protect consumers from unscrupulous operators.

Future of the FMCSA

Looking ahead, the FMCSA is expected to continue making efforts to improve safety in the trucking industry, including the development of new regulations to address emerging challenges like autonomous vehicles and cybersecurity. While these advancements promise enhanced safety and efficiency, they also bring potential controversies and debates.

For instance, the regulation of autonomous vehicles may lead to disputes over job displacement, ethical considerations, and the establishment of new safety standards. Differing opinions among manufacturers, labor unions, technology experts, and government officials could create a complex regulatory landscape that needs to be navigated carefully. Similarly, cybersecurity regulations will require a delicate balance between ensuring the protection of sensitive data and accommodating technological innovations.

By exploring these potential challenges, the FMCSA will have to demonstrate adaptability and foresight in shaping regulations that align with the rapidly changing technological landscape and societal needs.

Conclusion

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to ensuring road safety and maintaining the integrity of the trucking industry. Over the years, the FMCSA has evolved, adapting to technological advancements and societal demands, all the while maintaining a steadfast focus on its core mission. From the intricate web of regulations to the innovative programs fostering change, the agency has woven a complex but cohesive tapestry that reflects both its successes and ongoing challenges. The road ahead may be filled with uncertainties, especially as new technologies and ethical considerations emerge. However, the FMCSA’s track record of adaptability, collaboration, and dedication to public safety signals a promising journey into the future of transportation. Its work continues to be a crucial part of the fabric that connects and protects the nation, symbolizing a drive towards excellence, safety, and progress.

Sources

  1. FMCSA Strategic Plan 2021: FMCSA Strategic Plan 2021

  2. Regulations | FMCSA: Regulations | FMCSA

  3. Get Road Smart about the 7 BASICs: Get Road Smart about the 7 BASICs

  4. Our Mission | FMCSA: Our Mission | FMCSA

  5. Motor Carriers | FMCSA: Motor Carriers | FMCSA

  6. Definition of Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV): Definition of Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV)

  7. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

  8. The History of the FMCSA: The History of the FMCSA

  9. H.R.3419 – 106th Congress (1999-2000): Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999: H.R.3419 – 106th Congress (1999-2000): Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999

  10. Commercial Driver’s License Standards, Requirements, and Penalties: Commercial Driver’s License Standards, Requirements, and Penalties

  11. 4 Ways the FMCSA is Making Highways Safer: 4 Ways the FMCSA is Making Highways Safer

  12. Understanding the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): Understanding the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)

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Penalties in Germany. Truckers may face more than a fine for speeding
Read more at: https://trans.info/en/penalties-in-germany-truckers-may-face-more-than-a-fine-for-speeding-119693

Probably almost every truck driver during his career has been punished for some traffic offence. Fines imposed on professional drivers in Germany undoubtedly affect the profitability of orders, because they reduce the profit that the carrier expects to get when completing the transport order. Practice shows that getting a ticket for an infraction in Germany for even a seemingly harmless offence can result in a fine of several hundred euros. What else is at stake?

In Germany, a penalty for a traffic violation does not end on a fine. Whoever participates in traffic under a driving license obtained in Germany additionally receives penalty points. Fortunately, this does not apply to foreign drivers.

However, from a practical point of view, the law is more severe for foreign truckers and their companies if they commit serious offences. Instead of penalty points, the driver may receive a „temporary ban on driving.”

What are the most common traffic violations in Germany?

In the subsequent articles from the series „Fines in Germany”, we will describe the most common offences committed by drivers.

Most often, the tickets are issued as a result of the following infractions:

– speeding,

– lack of a safe following distance,

overloading,

– exceeding the rest period,

– breaking the ban on driving a truck on Sunday or public holidays,

– driving under the influence of alcohol.

The Germans have always cared for road safety and attach great importance to this issue. Therefore, strict fines will be issued to anyone who commits a breach of security regulations. In the list below, we indicate how much speeding in Germany can cost.

Exceeding the speed limit for heavy goods vehicles over 3.5 t (outside the city/in the city)

Excess speedFine in eurosPenalty pointsDriving ban

below 10 km/h15 / 20––

from 11 to 15 km/h25 / 30––

from 16 to 20 km/h70 / 801/1–

from 21 to 25 km/h80 / 951/1–

from 26 to 30 km/h95 / 1401/2– / 1 month

from 31 to 40 km/h160 / 2002/22 months / 1 month

from 41 to 50 km/h240 / 2802/22 months / 2 months

from 51 to 60 km/h440 / 4802/22 miesiÄ…ce / 3 months

above 60 km/h600 / 6002/23 months/ 3 months

Exceeding the speed limits for trucks over 3.5 t that carry hazardous materials (outside the city/in the city)


Read more at: https://trans.info/en/penalties-in-germany-truckers-may-face-more-than-a-fine-for-speeding-119693

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Excess speedFine in eurosPenalty pointsDriving ban

below 10 km/h30 / 35––

from 11 to 15 km/h35 / 601/1–

from 16 to 20 km/h120 / 1601/1–

from 21 to 25 km/h160 / 2001/2– / 1 month

from 26 to 30 km/h240 / 2801/2– / 1 month

from 31 to 40 km/h320 / 3602/22 months / 2 months

from 41 to 50 km/h400 / 4802/22 months / 3months

from 51 to 60 km/h560 / 6002/22 months / 3 months

above 60 km/h680 / 7602/23 months / 3 months

Did you drive too fast?

Often, professional drivers are exposed to a lot of time pressure, because the goods always have to reach the recipient on time (with German die Liefertreue). Of course, this is at the expense of road safety. In addition, there is a risk that drivers who have committed speeding will be fined or even banned from driving. So what are the speed limits for trucks in Germany?

Speed limits

Basically, the Straßenverkehrsordnung – German Road Code (hereinafter referred to as StVO) distinguishes between the maximum permissible speed for trucks in built-up areas and non-built-up areas.

– the speed limit for trucks with a GVW from 3.5 t to 7.5 t and more is 50 km/h in built-up areas,

– on federal and national roads, the maximum speed for vehicles with GVW from 3.5 to 7.5 t is 80 km/h,

– on federal and national roads, lorries with GVW above 7.5 t can drive at a maximum speed of 60 km/h,

– on highways where the roads are clearly separated from each other, the maximum speed for trucks with a GVW above 3.5 t according to StVO is 80 km/h.

Other circumstances?

Other factors can determine the level of the fine. If a driver is speeding and in a particular way threatens the safety of other road users, he is threatened with an additional penalty of up to 145 euros and one penalty point.

Drivers who have been convicted several times a year for exceeding the permitted speed by at least 25 km/h must face higher penalties. Serious offences can end up in driving bans that last a few months. And even if this proves to be insufficient, the driver is sent back to undergo psychological tests (with the German Idiotent), during which the specialist determines whether he is capable of driving a car.

In addition, it is worth remembering that if visibility drops below 50 meters (e.g. due to fog or heavy rain), the maximum speed for heavy goods vehicles is up to 50 km/h.

How to appeal the fine?

You can appeal the traffic violation within two weeks of receipt. The appeal must be formulated in writing and delivered to the office that issued it.

This is especially recommended for drivers punished for exceeding the speed limit because two-thirds of all issued tickets turn out to be wrongly issued, which is mainly associated with erroneous measurements. Modern devices allow accurate calculations, but when they are installed incorrectly or formatted, errors may occur.

Another reason for the cancellation of the ticket may be a fuzzy photographic evidence. When the number plates cannot be read, the ticket is illegal.

Attention!

Objections or explanations must be delivered to the office/court on time. What counts is not the date of the postmark, but the date when the civil servant receives a letter on the desk.

 

Tags

  • #fines

  • #Germany

  • #speeding

  • #traffic tickets

Lorry bans in Germany in 2024. See the penalties for breaking them


Read more at: https://trans.info/en/penalties-in-germany-truckers-may-face-more-than-a-fine-for-speeding-119693

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BALM has published a list of public holidays on which driving bans will apply in 2024. We would like to remind readers that in Germany, lorries with a maximum authorised weight of more than 7.5 tonnes are subject to traffic restrictions on Sundays and public holidays from 0:00 to 22:00 throughout the year. 

According to this year’s schedule, the movement of the above-mentioned vehicles will be prohibited on the following dates:

DateHolidayProhibited area

March 29Good FridayAll federal states of Germany

April 1stEaster MondayAll federal states of Germany

1 MayLabour DayAll federal states of Germany

May 9Ascension of the LordAll federal states of Germany

20th of MayPentecostAll federal states of Germany

May 30Corpus ChristiOnly in the states of Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland.

October 3Unity DayAll federal states of Germany

October 31stReformation DayOnly in the federal states of Brandenburg, Bremen, Hamburg, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Lower Saxony, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt, Schleswig-Holstein and Thuringia.

November 1All the saintsOnly in the states of Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate and Saarland.

25th of DecemberChristmasAll federal states of Germany

December 26ChristmasAll federal states of Germany

Fines for breaking the ban

According to the so-called catalogue of fines for 2024, the following penalties will be imposed for violating traffic bans in Germany:

OffenceFine

Illegal driving on a Sunday or a public holiday (penalty for the driver)120 euros

If the owner has ordered or permitted illegal driving on a Sunday or a public holiday (penalty for the owner / carrier of the vehicle)570 euros

Violation of the Saturday traffic ban25 euros

Saturday driving ban: if driving for more than 15 minutes during the banned hours60 euros

Ban on driving on Saturdays for the owner/operator of the vehicle, if the driver drove the vehicle for more than 15 minutes during the prohibited hours.150 euros

Restrictions do not apply to everyone

Some lorries are exempt from Germany’s Sunday and public holiday bans. These are vehicles that carry out

– combined road-rail transport from the consignor to the nearest loading station or from the nearest unloading station to the consignee, up to a maximum distance of 200 km;

– combined transport (port and road) between the place of loading or unloading and a port not more than 150 kilometres away (delivery and export);

– transport and related unladen journeys of the following goods: fresh milk and fresh milk products, fresh meat and fresh meat products, fresh fish, live fish and fresh fish products, perishable fruit and vegetables.

Tags

  • #drivers

  • #Germany

  • #truck bans

Salaries of lorry drivers working in Germany and Poland compared


Read more at: https://trans.info/en/lorry-bans-in-germany-in-2024-see-the-penalties-for-breaking-them-376977

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In Germany, truck drivers are one of the occupational groups with the lower salaries. However, the situation is completely different in Poland, where the days of lower-than-average wages for truckers have long been a thing of the past. Indeed, truck drivers’ salaries in Poland have been increasing on an annual basis.

The state of play in Poland

The average basic wage of professional lorry drivers in Poland in 2023 was PLN 5,139 (equivalent to about 1,189 euros), an increase of almost 17% compared to 2022.

This information comes from the report “Income of Professional Drivers in Poland 2023,” published by the Polish Institute of Road Transport (PITD).

This means that in 2023, drivers earned almost twice as much as the net minimum wage, which was PLN 2,783 (the equivalent of around €644).

If you add various allowances such as bonuses or expenses, the monthly amounts are even higher.

Accordingly, 69% of the drivers surveyed earn more than PLN 7,000 net (the equivalent of around €1,620) per month. 23% of survey participants stated that they even achieved a net income of over 9,000 PLN (the equivalent of around €2,083).

The number of low-earning drivers has also reduced significantly. While in 2021 28% of drivers earned less than PLN 5,000 net (the equivalent of around €1,157), this proportion has fallen to just 14% in the current survey.

Younger drivers in Poland earn more

The income structure among Polish truck drivers reveals some surprising patterns. For instance, older drivers generally earn less, while young drivers under 25, and those aged 31 to 40 in particular, earn the highest salaries.

According to the survey, 38% of respondents have more than ten years of experience, but paradoxically their incomes are not at the top.

The median net salary of this experienced group is PLN 7,600 (around €1,758). In comparison, drivers with 6 to 10 years of experience and those who have only been working for 1 to 2 years earn an average of PLN 8,000 net (the equivalent of around €1,85).

Despite general satisfaction with rising salaries – nearly 45% of drivers report an increase in 2023 – the PITD survey shows that the decline in demand for transportation has slowed the upward trend in wages, as 43.5% of drivers salaries remained unchanged.

How do salaries in Germany compare?

A direct salary comparison between Polish and German truck drivers is difficult because there is no detailed analysis of the salaries of truck drivers in Germany for 2023.

In addition, the PITD report discloses net income and the salary model in Poland differs from that in Germany.

However, an evaluation published in 2023 by the Lohnspiegel.de website, which is managed by the non-profit Hans Böckler Foundation, provides indications of the salary level of professional drivers in 2022.

Accordingly, the average starting salary for a professional lorry driver is €2,310. Similar to Poland, experience plays a minor role: those with ten years of professional experience earn an average of €2,400 per month. Anyone with twenty years of professional experience earns around €2,440 full-time.

Salaries vary significantly depending on the region or state in which the truck driver works.

In East Germany, the average monthly gross salary is €2,140, which is lower than in West Germany, where it is €2,460 gross.

As in many other industries, a gender pay gap can also be observed in the transport industry: according to the analysis, the average salary for women was €2,220 per month, while for men it was €2,410.

A current report from Jobmatch about the salary demands of truck drivers also provides interesting insights. These average €3,283 gross per month and are relatively moderate compared to other professional groups.

Text written in collaboration with Michał Pakulniewicz

After Germany, Austria continues to maintain border controls


Read more at: https://trans.info/en/germany-to-further-maintain-border-controls-with-3-countries-379500

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Although Germany's latest border controls are not due to expire until mid-March, the country's interior ministry has already announced that they will be extended for another month. Austria is also continuing to maintain border controls with the Czech Republic.
Read more at: https://trans.info/en/germany-to-further-maintain-border-controls-with-3-countries-379500

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Trans.iNFO Regulations

§ 1
GENERAL PROVISIONS

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  1. The website is made available to Customers by Trans.info sp. z o.o. with its registered office in Wrocław, ul. Racławicka 2-4, 53-146 Wrocław, Poland, entered into the Register of Entrepreneurs of the National Court Register kept by the District Court for Wrocław-Fabryczna in Wrocław, 6th Commercial Division of the National Court Register, under KRS number: 0000751609, with share capital of PLN 517,250.00, NIP number: 8961581580, REGON number: 381491570, e-mail: en@trans.info.

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§ 2
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§ 3
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§ 4
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§ 5
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  3. If the comment constitutes a work within the meaning of copyright law, the User/Customer grants the Service Provider a royalty-free licence to use the work in the following fields of exploitation:

    1. in terms of recording and reproducing the work – production of copies of the work using a specific technique, including printing, reprography, magnetic recording and digital technique,

    2. in terms of trading in the original or copies on which the work has been fixed – marketing, lending or leasing the original or copies,

    3. in terms of dissemination of the work in a manner other than that specified in point b above – public performance, exhibition, display, reproduction, broadcasting and re-broadcasting, as well as making the work available to the public in such a way that anyone can access it from a place and at a time individually chosen by them.

  4. The Service Provider is entitled to grant sub-licences.

  5. Without prejudice to the other provisions of the Terms and Conditions, it is prohibited to publish comments containing:

    • foul language,

    • offensive content,

    • advertisements or messages which constitute disguised advertising,

    • links to other websites,

    • content that violates the copyrights or personal rights of third parties,

    • content inciting racial, religious or ethnic hatred or content advocating violence and a totalitarian state system,

    • content that is otherwise contrary to the law, the rules of social conduct or good morals.

  6. The User/Customer posts comments solely at his/her own risk subject to § 2 section 16 of the Terms and Conditions.

  7. The Service Provider is not obliged to monitor the content of comments posted by Users/Customers on the Website. Anyone who becomes aware that content posted by a User/Customer is unlawful or in breach of the Terms and Conditions may inform the Service Provider of the fact and place where such content was posted, by e-mail at: en@trans.info.

  8. The Service Provider has the right to remove a comment published on the Website by the User/Customer if it constitutes a breach of the Terms and Conditions or is contrary to generally applicable law.

§ 6
NEWSLETTER

  1. The Customer may order a Newsletter service by completing the Form, also during Account registration.

  2. The Service Provider shall address correspondence to the Customer related to the provision of the Newsletter to the e-mail address indicated in the Form.

  3. A Customer who orders a Newsletter subscription, which contains commercial information within the meaning of the Act on providing services by electronic means, has the possibility to express his/her voluntary consent to receive in electronic form, at the electronic mail address (e-mail) indicated in the Form, any commercial information originating from the Service Provider or Partners.

  4. The use of the Newsletter service is subject to the Customer having an electronic mail (e-mail address).

  5. Each Newsletter sent under the Terms and Conditions will contain information on the sender, a completed subject field in the e-mail and information on how to unsubscribe from the Newsletter or change the parameters of the service.

  6. The Newsletter may contain advertising content relating to the services and goods of the Service Provider or Partners.

  7. The Customer has the right to unsubscribe from the Newsletter at any time, which is tantamount to termination of the agreement for the provision of electronic services.

  8. The revocation of the Customer’s consent to receive commercial information by electronic means shall entitle the Service Provider to immediately discontinue the Newsletter subscription service to that Customer to the extent that it contains commercial information for which the Customer’s wish to receive it in electronic form has been revoked.

§ 7
OTHER SERVICES

  1. The Website allows users to contact the Service Provider directly via the Form available on the Website under the “CONTACT” tab.

  2. In order to use the Contact Form, users must provide their first name, surname, e-mail address and the content of the message addressed to the Service Provider.

  3. The Service Provider responds to Customers’ messages sent using the Form within 14 days to the e-mail address provided in the Form.

  4. The Website makes it possible to search for Materials on the Website through a search engine available on the Website’s homepage.

  5. To use the search service, users need to enter the desired content into the search engine. In response, the Website will indicate the Materials corresponding to the searched content. Materials can be sorted by date and relevance.

  6. The Website makes the E-magazine available under the “E-MAGAZINE” tab. Customers can view the E-magazine in a web browser and download it in pdf format.

  7. To use the E-magazine sharing service, after selecting the “E-MAGAZINE” tab, users should select the desired copy of the E-magazine by clicking on “Free download”. It is also possible to view and download the latest copy of the E-Magazine by selecting the “Download the new Magazine of Transport Managers” tab.

  8. Upon downloading the E-magazine, the Service Provider grants the Customers a non-exclusive and non-transferable licence to use the E-magazine exclusively for the Customers’ own purposes. Customers are not entitled to reproduce and/or market the content of the E-magazine as their own content or to grant sub-licences.

  9. The Website provides access to Webinars. In order to use the Webinar sharing service, upon selecting the “WEBINARS” tab or any other tab indicating the possibility of signing up for a Webinar, users must complete the Form.

  10. Webinars are made available via a web browser on the Website as well as on the Partners’ websites. A link to the Webinar is sent to Customers at the e-mail address provided in the Form.

  11. The Service Provider reserves the right to refuse the Customer’s participation in a webinar without giving a reason.

  12. The Service Provider reserves the right to send a Webinar reminder prior to the Webinar date to the e-mail address provided in the Form.

  13. With the registration for a Webinar and the sending of a link to the Webinar in the manner indicated in § 7 section 10 of these Terms and Conditions, the Service Provider grants Customers a non-exclusive and non-transferable licence to use the Webinar exclusively for the Customers’ own purposes. Customers are not entitled to reproduce and/or market the content of the Webinar as their own content or to grant sub-licences.

  14. Sharing links to Webinars with third parties is prohibited.

  15. Recording of the content and course of Webinars is prohibited. In the event of a breach of this prohibition, the Service Provider may block access to the Webinar.

  16. During Webinars, visual contact with other Customers is not possible, but questions can be asked via chat.

  17. The Service Provider shall take the utmost care to ensure that Webinars are conducted by competent trainers who are knowledgeable in the subject of the Webinar.

  18. The Service Provider declares that Webinars are prepared with the utmost care and ensures that they are free from any legal defects.

  19. The Service Provider reserves the right to change the schedule of the Webinar or to alter the basic parameters of the Webinar, including the date of the Webinar or its cancellation, for important reasons or reasons beyond the Service Provider’s control. The aforesaid changes may not constitute grounds for any claims against the Service Provider.

  20. If the Customer violates the law, the rules of social coexistence or good morals during the Webinar, the Service Provider shall be entitled to block the Customer’s access to the Webinar after a prior warning to the Customer.

  21. The Service Provider shall give Customers the opportunity to re-broadcast completed Webinars by accessing the archived version of the Webinar under the link held by the Customer.

§ 8
TERMS OF USE OF THE WEBSITE BY THE CUSTOMER

Without prejudice to the other provisions of the Terms and Conditions, when using the Website, the Customer may not:

  1. upload unlawful content to the Website,

  2. publish messages, articles and other forms of communication of a commercial nature not authorised by the Service Provider, as well as those infringing the rights of third parties, the law, the rules of social coexistence or good morals,

  3. send unsolicited commercial information within the meaning of Article 10 of the Act on providing services by electronic means (in particular in the form of spam),

  4. use the Website for direct marketing as referred to in Article 172 of the Telecommunications Act (Journal of Laws 2022, item 1933, as amended),

  5. distribute anonymous unsolicited bulk mail (so-called spam), regardless of its content,

  6. collect content and data of other Customers and otherwise access the Website using automated tools (e.g. collection bots, robots, spiders or copy programs),

  7. engage in illegal multi-level marketing, e.g. pyramid schemes,

  8. transmit viruses and other types of malicious code,

  9. phish for login data or access an Account belonging to another User/Customer,

  10. use the Website and individual Services in a manner that violates personal rights and interests (in particular intellectual property rights, personal interests such as image, dignity, good name) of other Customers and the Service Provider,

  11. carry out any action that might disable, overburden or impair the proper functioning and appearance of the Website, such as an attack that would result in the blocking of service, interference with the display of the Website or other functions.

§ 9
RESPONSIBILITY

  1. The Customer is responsible for:

    1. the manner in which the Customer uses the Website and the consequences thereof,

    2. damages resulting from the culpable actions of the Customer which are not in accordance with applicable law or the provisions of these Terms and Conditions,

    3. information downloaded from the Website, the effects of its use by the Customer and its suitability for the Customer,

    4. acts and omissions of the User/Customer.

  2. The Customer is aware of the risks of the Internet, especially with regard to possible intrusions into the Customer’s system, interception of passwords by third parties, infection of the Customer’s system with viruses and the damage that may result. The User/Customer is obliged to keep his/her Password confidential.

  3. The Service Provider:

    1. shall not be responsible for the content published by the User/Customer in accordance with Articles 14 and 15 of the Act on providing services by electronic means,

    2. shall not be responsible for the User's/Customer's failure to comply with the technical conditions indicated in these Terms and Conditions, including the provision of incorrect data, which will prevent the use of particular Services,

    3. shall not be responsible for disruptions to the Website and individual Services caused by force majeure, equipment failure, database and server overload,

    4. shall be responsible for the services provided by electronic means under the terms of the Act on providing services by electronic means,

    5. shall use its reasonable endeavours to ensure that the Website and all Services made available through it operate without interruption of any kind, but does not guarantee the uninterrupted operation of the Website and the Services available thereon,

    6. informs that technical problems or limitations of the computer equipment used by the Customer (firewalls, inadequate versions of the media player, anti-virus software and others) may restrict or prevent the Customer from accessing the Website, the Services or affect their quality,

    7. reserves the right to restrict selected Customers from accessing some or all of the Materials presented on the Website, in the event that such Customers use hardware or software that restricts or disables the publication of certain content from the Website,

    8. has the right to close the Website and terminate the Services at any time.

§ 10
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY

  1. The Website and the Materials contained therein, including works, trademarks, Webinars, their selection and compilation in the Website, are subject to the protection provided for in the applicable laws in this regard, in particular the Act on Copyright and Related Rights and the Act on Combating Unfair Competition of 16 April 1993 (Journal of Laws of 2022, item 1233, as amended).

  2. The rights to the Materials belong to the Service Provider or third parties, including Partners. If the rights in question are vested in third parties, the Service Provider shall present the Materials on the Website on the basis of the relevant agreements concluded with these parties, in particular licence agreements and agreements on the transfer of author’s economic rights, or on the basis of the legislation in force in this regard.

  3. By using the Materials made available on the Website, Customers do not acquire any rights or licence to the Materials.

  4. Without the prior consent of the Service Provider, Customers may only use the Website and the Materials within the framework of permitted use as designated by the provisions of the Copyright and Related Rights Act, and such use may not infringe on the normal use of the work or harm the legitimate interests of the Service Provider and third parties. In particular, the following is not permitted:

    1. making, in particular for commercial purposes, copies, reproductions, modifications, blocking of the Website or parts thereof, as well as individual Materials made available on its pages,

    2. dissemination (including dissemination for information purposes to the press, radio, television and in such a way that everyone has access to the material at a time and place of their own choosing) of the material published on the Website, including current articles, reports, interviews and other works on any subject (including political, economic and religious subjects).

  5. Any use of the Materials other than that specified in the Terms and Conditions without the Service Provider’s prior express written consent is prohibited, and infringement of the Service Provider’s (or third parties’) rights in the protected works will result in liability under civil and criminal law. Any queries on this subject should be directed to the e-mail address: en@trans.info.

§ 11
CONFIDENTIALITY

  1. Unless otherwise permitted by these Terms and Conditions, neither party may disclose the other party’s trade secrets to third parties. However, either party may disclose such information to the extent that the information:

    1. is or has become known to the public otherwise than as a result of a breach of these Terms and Conditions,

    2. has subsequently been obtained by the recipient from a third party who, to the knowledge of the recipient, is under no obligation to keep that information confidential vis-à-vis the disclosing party,

    3. was known to the recipient of that information at the time of disclosure or was later independently created,

    4. has been disclosed in order to enforce the rights of the recipient of such information under this Agreement,

    5. must be disclosed under applicable laws, court procedures or professional regulations.

  2. Unless prohibited by law, the Service Provider has the right to disclose the Customer’s and User’s information to other companies in the Service Provider’s group, employees and associates and third parties providing services to the Service Provider. The Service Provider shall be responsible to the Customer for maintaining the confidentiality of the Customer’s information.

§ 12
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION

  1. The controller of the personal data of the Customer and the Website Users is Trans.info Sp. z o.o. with its registered office in WrocÅ‚aw at RacÅ‚awicka 2-4, 53-146 WrocÅ‚aw, contact: en@trans.info (hereinafter the “Controller”).

  2. The legal basis, the purpose, the duration of the processing of personal data and the applicable rights, as well as other important information regarding the principles of processing personal data in the Controller’s ICT networks are detailed in the Privacy Policy.

§ 13
COMPLAINTS AND DISPUTES

  1. The Customer has the right to lodge a complaint on matters relating to the functioning of the Website and the Services provided within its scope.

  2. Complaints should be submitted in writing to: Trans.info Sp. z o.o. with its registered office in Wrocław at ul. Racławicka 2-4, 53-146 Wrocław, Poland or by e-mail to: en@trans.info.

  3. Complaints will be processed within 14 days of receipt.

  4. A response to the complaint will be sent to the e-mail address indicated by the Customer or, in the case of a complaint made by post, to the address indicated by the Customer.

  5. The Service Provider reserves the right to extend the time limit specified in section 3 above – by no more than 10 days – if the investigation of the complaint requires unusual, special measures and arrangements or encounters obstacles beyond the Service Provider’s control (equipment failures, Internet access, etc.), or to obtain additional explanations from the Customer.

  6. The competent court for disputes arising between the Service Provider and the Customer shall be the court with jurisdiction over the Service Provider’s registered office.

§ 14
TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS

  1. The following are required to use the Website:

    1. a device with access to the Internet with a correctly configured, up-to-date version of a web browser,

    2. an active e-mail account – in order to register an Account, receive the Newsletter, receive a reply to a message sent via the Contact Form and use other Services that require this,

    3. software for displaying pdf files – to display the E-magazine.

  2. Separate terms and conditions for individual Services may stipulate additional technical conditions necessary for the use of those Services.

§ 15
FINAL PROVISIONS

  1. Unless otherwise provided by mandatory provisions of law, the law of Poland shall govern agreements between the Customer and the Service Provider.

  2. The Service Provider reserves the right to amend the Terms and Conditions in the event of the occurrence of at least one of the following important reasons (closed catalogue):

    1. a change in the law governing the provision of services by electronic means by the Service Provider affecting the mutual rights and obligations set out in the Terms and Conditions;

    2. the need for the Service Provider to comply with orders, rulings, provisions or guidelines arising from:

      • a decision of a public administration body competent in the scope of the Service Provider’s activity affecting the mutual rights and obligations set out in the Terms and Conditions;

      • a court ruling applicable to the scope of the Service Provider’s activity affecting the mutual rights and obligations set out in the Terms and Conditions;

    3. a change in the manner in which the Service Provider provides services by electronic means due solely to technical or technological reasons (in particular updates to technical requirements);

    4. a change in the scope or principles of the Service Provider’s provision of services to which the Terms and Conditions apply, through the introduction of new, modification or withdrawal by the Service Provider of existing functionalities or services covered by the Terms and Conditions;

    5. a merger, demerger or transformation of the Service Provider or change of the Service Provider’s data.

  3. The Service Provider shall give at least 14 days’ notice of any change to the Terms and Conditions on the Website.

  4. Previous versions of the Terms and Conditions are published on the Website.

  5. Matters not covered by these Terms and Conditions shall be governed by Polish law, in particular the Civil Code Act and the Act on providing services by electronic means.

  6. The appendices to the Terms and Conditions form an integral part thereof.

  7. The Terms and Conditions are available at: https://trans.info/en/rules.


Read more at: https://trans.info/en/rules

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Rules for Truck Drivers in Germany

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Truck drivers facilitate the transportation of goods and services in Germany, but in order to do so they must comply with certain rules and regulations to avoid any trouble with the law. There are 16 states in Germany, and some of them have additional rules that you must obey while running your business in their state. That’s why it’s important to understand all the rules and legal requirements you must meet to drive safely in Germany.

Below are some of the rules you need to know.

What Is Required When You Want to Drive a Truck in Germany?

In this section, we will walk you through the conditions for driving in Germany, as well as the penalties that come with violating them.

Drivers License

Driving with a valid driver's licence is one of the basic rules for driving a vehicle in Europe and Germany. However, driving a truck comes with a high level of responsibility and risk, so there are some requirements you must meet to move freely in Germany. 

For starters, there are different categories for obtaining a driver's licence for trucks in Germany, and depending on the class you fall in, you must obtain a licence that is suitable for your truck in order to avoid unwanted penalties from the authorities. These categories include the following:

Category B 

This is one of the requirements if you want to get a C1 driving licence. A Category B licence allows you to drive a truck with a maximum weight of up to 3,500 kg, designed to carry 24 passengers or more. It also allows you to tow a vehicle or detachable cargo holder with a gross vehicle weight of less than 10,000 Pounds. Some examples of Category B vehicles include large buses, delivery trucks, dump trucks with small trailers, and straight trucks.

Category C1

if you want to drive a light commercial vehicle, you must have a C1 driver's licence. It is regarded as an entry into commercial goods transport, and it covers vehicles with a total weight of over 3,500 kg to a maximum of 7,500 kg. The Class C1 also allows you to drive a trailer, but only if it weighs less than 750 kg.

Category C1E

If you depend on higher trucks, you need a C1E driver's licence. It allows you to drive a trailer that exceeds the 750 kg permitted in the C1 category.

Category C

This category is for heavy commercial vehicles and is suitable for truck drivers interested in transporting very large masses. With a category C driver's licence, you are not subjected to driving commercial vehicles at a maximum weight of 7,500 kg or trailers of about 750kg, and you are also permitted to drive the C1 vehicles at the same time.

Category CE (Trailer Driving Licence)

This is the highest class among truck driving licence categories. When operating with a CE licence, you will automatically receive the C1E, T, D1E, and BE license categories. You can also use it to tow trailers of over 750 kg. However, it is ideal for people who want to transport goods in large quantities.

Driving Age

The minimum age for driving in Germany is 18 years. However, this depends on the type of vehicle you want to drive. For instance, the minimum age for driving a truck is 21, so even if you are up to 18, you will still be fined for driving a truck.

Keep in mind that these are just the age requirements for obtaining a license—you will still need to pass some driving tests to prove that you are qualified to drive.

Seat Belt

As a driver, wearing a seat belt is mandatory. In fact, according to the law, everyone in a vehicle must wear a seat belt no matter where they are seated. Failure to comply with these rules can lead to fines and penalty points added to your driver's license.

The table below shows the penalty points for different offenses.

You can find more information about the fines and point deductions on this website.

Drinking of Alcohol While Driving

As is the case everywhere, don't drink and drive in Germany. This is deemed a serious offense and could lead to severe penalties. The blood alcohol limit for driving in the country is 0.05%. If caught driving above this limit, you could lose your licence, face fines, and sometimes be jailed for several days. However, it is considered acceptable if a driver consumed a small beer about 0,33l=0.3 Promile), but keep in mind that this only applies to drivers causing no harm, accidents, or repetitive danger to others.

The penalty for drunk driving depends on several factors. For example, if you are a first-timer, you might be fined about €1200 and a license suspension of up to two months. However, the penalty will be more severe for repeat and serious offenses.

What Are the Rules for Driving a Truck in Germany?

For commercial trucks, there are bans on driving at certain times. However, these rules are in place to keep you safe and reduce traffic. In this section, we will provide you with detailed information on the rules for driving a truck in Germany.

What Are the Driving Bans for Trucks?

Generally, the truck driving ban applies on Sundays. This means you cannot move your truck if it weighs over 7.5t from 12 a.m. to 10 p.m. There is also a driving ban on public holidays, and they include the following:

  • New Year's Day

  • Good Friday

  • Easter Monday

  • Labour Day (1 May)

  • Ascension Day

  • Whitsun

  • German Unification Day (3 October)

  • Christmas Day and Boxing Day (1 and 2 Weihnachtstag)

In addition, the truck driving ban applies on Saturdays during the main holiday period, which means for example, the summer holiday (1 July-31 August). This means that you are not allowed to drive on Saturdays, when cars are moving in huge numbers to go on or come back from holiday between 7 a.m and 8 p.m. 

There are also specific holidays for some parts of Germany. For example, The Feast of Corpus Christi (Fronleichnam) is celebrated in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, Hesse, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland. The Reformation Day is celebrated in Brandenburg, Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania, Saxony-Anhalt, Saxony roads, and Thuringia—while All Saints Day (Allerheiligen) is a public holiday in Baden-Württemberg, Bavaria, North Rhine-Westphalia, Rhineland-Palatinate, and Saarland.

The Rest Times for Truck Drivers

According to German law, the working and resting time regulation states that a truck driver must rest for at least 11 hours each working day (24 hours long). This period can be divided into two parts: initially, you can have three hours of rest, then after some time, you can have another eight hours. You can also reduce the daily rest to around nine hours if 11 hours is too much for you. However, you can only reduce the daily rest period three times within seven consecutive working days.

Furthermore, it is also mandatory for drivers to have a break after 4-5 hours of driving for 45 minutes, which could be obviously divided into two break times of 15 and 30 minutes. They are also entitled to 45 hours of rest after working for six days. The longer rest break must be spent at least once in four weeks at the employer’s site or at the driver's place of residence.

The Maximum Weight of the Truck

The weight limit of trucks in Germany varies based on the location and the type of goods you are transporting at that moment. The table in this section shows an overview of the weight limit of trucks on German roads.

Direct Truck Transport

Maximum weight on German roads= 40 tons

Rail/Road & Barge/Road Combined Transport

Maximum weight on German roads = 44 tons

Speed Limit

The speed limit on highways for vehicles with trailers and trucks that weigh over 3.5 tons is 80 km/h (50 mph), 60km/h (37 mph) on non-urban roads and urban roads just 50 km/h or trucks that weigh over 7.5 tons; the general limit is set to 60 km/h and 80 km/h  on the highways (autobahn). These trucks must have a built-in speed limiter for a maximum speed of 90 km/hr (56 mph). However, there are a few exceptions for police, fire brigade, and other purposes.

Penalties

If you are planning a trip to Germany, it is crucial to understand the penalties for violating laws. These laws are made to protect you, so it is in your best interest to comply with them. If you are caught breaking any of them, such as a truck driving ban, you will be fined up to €100. If your employer encouraged you to violate the law, they could be charged over €500. So it’s better to stick to the rules to drive safely to your destination.

The table below shows how costly these offenses can be.

The Differences Between Each State

The local bans and driving rules apply to all parts of Germany. However, some cities have extra rules to ensure the safety of their people and environment. For example, there are additional bans for vehicles that weigh over 3.5 tons in cities like Munich, Stuttgart, and Darmstadt to reduce air pollution and prevent traffic.

Furthermore, there are public holidays in each state that drivers should be aware of, as mentioned in the section “What are the Driving Bans for Trucks?” above.

Driving in Germany can be annoying due to regulations and restrictions regarding truck driving. However, these rules were made to reduce traffic and ensure your safety. So it is vital to follow them in order to protect yourself and avoid unwanted problems with the authorities.

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TRUCK DRIVERS RESTING HOURS

Regulation (EC) No 561/2006

provides a common set of EU rules for maximum daily and fortnightly driving times, as well as daily and weekly minimum rest periods for all drivers of road haulage and passenger transport vehicles, subject to specified exceptions and national derogations. The scope of operations regulated is tremendously diverse, it includes: passenger transport and road haulage operations, both international and national, long and short distance, drivers for own account and for hire and reward, employees and self-employed.

The aim of this set of rules is to avoid distortion of competition, improve road safety and ensure drivers' good working conditions within the European Union.

These rules establish notably that:

  • Daily driving period shall not exceed 9 hours, with an exemption of twice a week when it can be extended to 10 hours.

  • Total weekly driving time may not exceed 56 hours and the total fortnightly driving time may not exceed 90 hours.

  • Daily rest period shall be at least 11 hours, with an exception of going down to 9 hours maximum three times a week. Daily rest can be split into 3 hours rest followed by 9 hour rest to make a total of 12 hours daily rest.

  • Breaks of at least 45 minutes (separable into 15 minutes followed by 30 minutes) should be taken after 4 ½ hours at the latest.

  • Weekly rest is 45 continuous hours, which can be reduced every second week to 24 hours. Compensation arrangements apply for reduced weekly rest period. Weekly rest is to be taken after six days of working, except for coach drivers engaged in a single occasional service of international transport of passengers who may postpone their weekly rest period after 12 days in order to facilitate coach holidays.

  • Daily and/or weekly driving times may be exceeded in exceptional circumstances by up to one hour to enable the driver to reach his/her place of residence or the employer’s operational centre in order to take a weekly rest period. Exceeding the daily and/or weekly driving times by up to two hours is also allowed to enable the driver to reach his/her place of residence or the employer’s operational centre in order to take a regular weekly rest period.

The compliance with these provisions is subject to continuous monitoring and controls, which are carried out on national and international level via checking tachograph records at the road side and at the premises of undertakings.

National exceptions from drivers' hours rules

Article 13 (1) of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 sets out a list of possible national derogations from application of provisions on driving times, breaks and rest periods (Articles 5 to 9 of the Regulation). It is within the competence of each Member States to decide whether any of the listed possible national derogations will be granted or not.

20 DECEMBER 2021

List of national exceptions from the provisions on driving times, breaks and rest periods under Article 13 of Regulation (EC) No 561/2006

English

(209.09 KB - PDF)

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Article 14 of the Regulation lays down that Member States may grant, in urgent cases, exceptions from the application of Articles 6 to 9 for up to 30 days to transport operations carried out in exceptional circumstances. This table gives an overview of all recent temporary national exceptions notified by the Member States to the Commission in accordance with Article 14.

23 APRIL 2024

Temporary exceptions submitted by EU and third-countries under Article 14 of Reg. 561/2006 or any other equivalent provisions

English

(380.35 KB - PDF)

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The Court of Justice of the European Union judgements concerning social rules in road transport

Certain Court judgments under earlier legislation which has been repealed remain relevant as interpretative guidance on key provisions carried over into the current legislation. However, the relevance of Court rulings for the application and interpretation of Regulation 561/2006 should be assessed on a case by case basis.

20 JULY 2021

The Court of Justice of the European Union jurisprudence relevant to the social rules in road transport

English

(883.67 KB - PDF)

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Related documents

Legislation

Regulation (EC) No 561/2006 of the European Parliament and of the Council of 15 March 2006 on the harmonisation of certain social legislation relating to road transport and amending Council Regulations (EEC) No 3821/85 and (EC) No 2135/98 and repealing Council Regulation (EEC) No 3820/85

Policy

2nd report from the Commission on the implementation by Member States of certain provisions concerning the access to the occupation of road transport operator

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