On Friday, March 31, the Bundesrat confirmed a law change according to which the 45-hour weekly rest in the vehicle cabin will be penalised. The regulation will come into force within two weeks. The fine for each hour of rest in the vehicle remain unchanged – from EUR 60 for drivers and EUR 180 for company owner.
According to a union of employers Transport i Logistyka Polska [Polish Transport and Logistics] and German industry website verkehrsrundschau.de, the law will most likely come into force in Germany the day after the amendment is published which will take place within a week or two.
The inspections will be carried out in co-operation with the police, the Federal Office for Freight Transport (BAG), Customs and Labor Protection Offices.
Fines will remain unchanged
Verkehrsrunschau.de also confirmed that the fines for sleeping in the cabin seats are in line with the sanctions planned in mid-March. The fines will amount to up to EUR 60 (for the driver) and up to EUR 180 (for the company owner) for each hour of rest in the truck or other unadjusted place (without sanitary facilities or accommodation).
Photo: Mercedes-Benz
