The professional transport sector is facing numerous challenges on the road. Among the most frequent penalties in road transport are, for example, increasingly stringent road safety and environmental regulations.
What are the most frequent penalties in road transport?
From non-compliance with driving and resting times to overloading, or not carrying up-to-date documentation, the most frequent penalties in the road transport sector can range from light fines to the loss of the transport authorization.
Knowing the regulations and allying with a good partner for a more efficient mobility of goods can avoid legal and economic problems in the future. It is important to be aware of the challenges of freight transport and adapt to change.
In this article you will discover the most common road transport penalties on the road.
What are the most frequent penalties in road transport in Spain?
The National Inspection Plan of the Ministry of Transport and Sustainable Mobility is a government strategy designed to ensure regulatory compliance in the road transport sector. Through this plan, periodic inspections are carried out on vehicles, drivers and transport companies to verify that they comply with legal requirements regarding road safety, driving and resting times, weights and dimensions, and documentation. This plan also provides an overview of data to determine aspects such as the main infractions detected in road transport, the rate of compliance and key targets for improvement. For example, in this link you will find the objectives of the National Inspection Plan for 2024 in road transport.
For the time being, data for 2023 suggest that these are the most frequent penalties in road transport in Spain:
Non-compliance with driving and resting times
Exceeding the established limits, manipulating the tachograph or not keeping the appropriate records are some of the most frequent sanctions. In fact, in 2023, a total of 71,030 proceedings were initiated for this reason, although 74% were of a minor nature.
A total of 104 disciplinary proceedings were initiated for tachograph manipulation. And, as regards speed limiters, a total of 560 fines were imposed.
It should be recalled that administrative liability for penalties related to driving and rest times is demanded from the natural or legal person holding the transport concession or authorization, regardless of whether the actions or omissions from which said liability derives have been materially carried out by them or by the personnel of their company.
Overloading
Transporting goods that exceed the permitted weight or dimensions can damage road infrastructure and jeopardize safety. In fact, in this category, an increase in penalties was detected in 2023, specifically 21,176 open files compared to 18,167 in 2022. In the case of private transport, most of the excesses detected last year were considered to be of a very serious nature.
Delay in payment, transport price and loading and unloading:
In 2023, the Transport Inspectorate recorded a total of 4,635 penalties for late payment – 3,411 were finally resolved – a considerable increase considering that in 2022 there were only 238.
Another of the commitments of the 2023 Inspection Plan was to prevent drivers from failing to load and unload goods. In total, 437 were detected in 2023, although only 15 sanctions were imposed for this concept.
Documentation
Failure to carry the mandatory documentation, such as permits, insurance, etc., can also lead to sanctions.With regard to carrying out transport without authorization, for example, a total of 8,698 infractions were imposed in 2023, of which 6,317 were resolved.
The most frequent penalties in international transport
If we talk about international transport in Spain, is the ranking of the most common infractions the same? Let’s analyze the data from the 2023 National Inspection Plan. Last year, in total, 1,065 proceedings were opened against foreign companies operating in Spain, compared to 803 proceedings in 2022, which was an increase of 19% over the previous year.
As for penalties for overweight loads in professional transport, there was a slight increase compared to 2022, from 18,167 proceedings to 21,176. However, as in the case of Spanish companies, most of the infringements were of a minor nature in public transport and serious in the case of private transport.
In terms of authorization visas, there was also an increase of 21% in 2023. In this case it is worth remembering that the deadline for the visa was extended until 2023, following the Covid 19 pandemic.
How to avoid the most frequent road transport penalties?
It seems logical, but information is power in this case. Knowledge of the rules is essential to exercise a responsible professional activity and avoid penalties. That is why it is important to keep updated on regulations, to be clear about their validity and what their latest modifications imply, both in Spain and in other countries.
For example, in terms of driving times, it is key to have an optimal route planning, which helps to respect the breaks to ensure driver safety and avoid penalties. And, in terms of legislation, being informed about what have been and will be the next changes in toll rates in Europe, especially in countries that will take into account the CO2 emissions class of vehicles, is essential to travel without unforeseen events.
Choosing a partner to prevent penalties in road transport
Let a specialist do this work for you. Choosing a strategic partner is essential to ensure regulatory compliance and prevent road transport penalties. The right partner can provide tools, knowledge and resources to help optimize operations and minimize risk.
At OnTurtle, we have a carrier sanctions management service. We advise our customers on transport and traffic regulations in Europe and take care of the handling of any fines and penalties en route. With more than 25 years of experience in the sector, our goal remains to accompany our customers and make their journey more efficient.
