FRANCE CLARIFIES RULES ON CROSS-BORDER ROAD TRANSPORT
France will start enforcing a European rule that limits cross-border traffic within the EU to 40 tonnes on 1st January 2022. A decree clarifying the French rules and bringing them in line with EU Directive 96/53/EC on weights and dimensions was published on 31st July.
The text confirms the total authorised rolling weight of an articulated vehicle with more than 4 axles is limited to 40 tonnes. An exception is provided for national transport and the road leg of combined transport operations, where the maximum rolling weight shall not exceed 44 tonnes.
Until recently this rule was not enforceable in France as the French legislation did not foresee sanctions. But with a new addition to the French traffic-law, this situation has now come to an end. The penalty for non-compliance with these provisions is €750 per overweight tonne. The principle of shared liability is applied in case of overloading as Member States can make the shipper and the haulier liable in case of overweight.