Countries such as Germany, Poland, Austria, Italy, the Netherlands, and Sweden have reintroduced border checks due to concerns about illegal migration. For hauliers, this brings a host of obligations — and severe penalties if inspections uncover missing documents, technical issues or breaches of drivers’ hours regulations.
No waybill? You could face a €750 fine
Documentation is the first thing checked. Missing or incorrect waybills can cost hauliers €500 in Germany and up to €750 in France. Authorities may also request additional documents such as invoices or cargo specifications. In Belgium and the Netherlands, failure to provide these can lead to fines of €1,800 and €1,500 respectively.
A valid Community licence is essential too — lacking one can result in a fine of PLN 12,000 in Poland, €5,000 in Germany or CZK 500,000 in the Czech Republic. The penalties for transporting waste or hazardous materials without proper authorisation can climb into the tens of thousands of euros, and vehicles may be impounded.
“Authorities can request documents confirming the legality of the cargo, such as invoices, transport orders or goods specifications — especially if the cargo’s legality is in doubt,” explains Mateusz Pernak of TC Kancelaria Prawna.
Drivers’ hours under the microscope
Inspectors are paying close attention to drivers’ working and rest times. Irregularities in tachograph data, missing driver cards or missed breaks can lead to fines of several thousand euros, particularly in Spain, Italy and Germany.
“To avoid such penalties, drivers should always carry their driver card, record manual entries correctly in the tachograph, and take required daily and weekly rest periods as set out in Regulation 561/2006,” advise legal experts from TC Law Firm.
Technical faults? You’ll pay double
Failing a technical inspection can lead to fines, the seizure of the registration certificate, or even a driving ban. Checks typically cover tyres, braking systems, lights, tachographs and mandatory equipment such as high-vis vests, fire extinguishers and first aid kits. In Scandinavian countries, tyre chains are also required.
“Fines for technical defects vary depending on the country. In Poland, they can run into the thousands of złoty; in Germany, they can easily exceed several thousand euros,” says Pernak.
Additional costs may include towing, parking fees, and inclusion in risk rating systems like OCRS in the UK or Scorecard in Germany.
Hidden passengers? Up to €75,000 in fines
The steepest penalties are for unknowingly transporting illegal immigrants. In the UK, this carries a £6,000 fine per person, rising to £10,000 for repeat offenders. France imposes fines of up to €75,000, while Italy can levy €15,000 per person.
The British government provides official guidance on securing vehicles to prevent stowaways, and following these procedures is essential if you wish to apply for exemption from penalties.
Border fines at a glance:
Missing/inaccurate documents
- Germany: €500 (waybill)
- France: €750 (waybill)
- Belgium: €1,800 (cargo documents)
- Netherlands: €1,500 (cargo documents)
No Community licence
- Poland: PLN 12,000
- Germany: €5,000
- Czech Republic: CZK 500,000
No permit for special transport (waste, hazardous goods)
- EU-wide: Fines in the tens of thousands + possible vehicle seizure
Drivers’ hours violations
- Spain, Italy, Germany: Several thousand euros
Technical issues
- Poland: Up to several thousand złoty
- Germany: Up to several thousand euros + potential confiscation of registration certificate, towing fees
Illegal immigrants
- UK: £6,000 per person (£10,000 for repeat)
- France: Up to €75,000
- Italy: €15,000 per person
This article is based on a press release from TC Law Firm.
