As a result of the Mobility Package, changes in transportation regulations have been gradually introduced across the European Union over several years. This year, further significant changes will be introduced that will affect the organization of transportation and the daily work of drivers. The Mobility Package (MP) is a set of EU rules that aims to standardize working conditions for drivers, improve road safety and reduce unfair competition in the industry. The rules apply to all companies subject to Regulation 561/2006 that send drivers to other EU countries for cabotage and cross-border trade operations. Previously, these rules did not apply to companies engaged in international freight transportation using vehicles with a gross vehicle weight of up to 3.5 tons. In recent years, the number of such companies has been growing, and several countries have decided to include them in the rules of Regulation (EC) No 1071/2009 regulating the authorization of road carriers, Lardy.Today reports.
Key changes that will come into force in 2025:
- Roadside inspections and tachographs. In 2025, the scope of roadside inspections will be expanded. Drivers will be required to provide tachograph data for the last 56 days instead of 28. This doubles the period subject to control. In addition, in 2025, the mandatory use of second-generation smart tachographs (Smart Tacho 2) will be introduced for vehicles weighing more than 3.5 tons engaged in international transportation.
- Changes to the rules of working hours and rest for drivers. The rules clearly spell out the problem of multivariability. The driver can take his 45-minute break in a car driven by another driver, provided that he has the status of a crew member.
These changes also apply to weekly rest periods. Regular weekly rest periods and rest periods lasting more than 45 hours taken as compensation for reduced rest cannot be taken in the vehicle, but must be used in premises that comply with the rules.
A driver engaged in the international transportation of goods may take two consecutive shortened weekly rest periods, provided that he takes at least four weekly rest periods within four weeks. According to the current rules, at least two of them must qualify as regular weekly rest periods.
In view of the above, if a driver takes two consecutive shortened weekly rest periods, the next weekly rest period must be preceded by a rest period provided as compensation. In this situation, the company must arrange the driver’s work schedule so that he or she can return at the appropriate time.
The rules specify exceptional circumstances in which the daily and weekly driving time may be exceeded. - New requirements for tachographs. Second-generation tachographs are equipped with automatic country detection functions when crossing the border and the possibility of preliminary control by inspection authorities (using DSRC technology), as well as registration of loading and unloading operations (with indication of the place). The new tachograph will allow tracking up to 25 parameters, which will increase the efficiency of inspections and road safety. The tachograph upgrade is due to be completed by August 18, 2025.
Transportation management systems (TMS) will become an important tool for transportation companies. They help monitor operations, plan routes, and ensure compliance with new regulatory requirements. In particular, the functions of reading tachograph and driver card data will help carriers avoid violations and increase the accuracy of planning transportation orders.
