Roadside truck checks across the EU are no longer based on chance. Enforcement authorities can now identify potentially non-compliant vehicles before they are even stopped, using remote screening technology and direct access to national databases.
This approach was used during a joint inspection campaign coordinated by the European Labour Authority (ELA) in November 2025. The inspections took place in 13 EU Member States — Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Italy, Lithuania, the Netherlands, Poland, Slovakia and Slovenia — with authorities from 21 EU and EFTA countries involved overall.
Joint roadside inspection carried out during the ELA’s November road transport week of action.
Rather than relying on random roadside checks, inspectors applied targeted methods to select vehicles for inspection. In some locations, only trucks registered in countries whose enforcement authorities were present at the checkpoint were systematically checked. Inspectors also had immediate access to national databases, allowing them to identify potential infringements more efficiently.
A key tool used during the inspections was the remote early detection communication reader (REDCR). This technology allows enforcement officers to remotely screen vehicles equipped with second-generation smart tachographs and preselect trucks for more detailed checks based on tachograph data. According to the ELA, this makes inspections more focused and reduces the need for broad, untargeted stops.
Inspectors checking vehicle components during a targeted roadside inspection.
Alongside roadside checks, several Member States also carried out coordinated inspections at company premises. These premises inspections were conducted simultaneously in different countries as part of ongoing investigations that had started before the inspection week.
In total, inspectors checked 368 vehicles and identified 376 infringements. The violations led to total fines exceeding €172,000, although some cases remain under further investigation. Fifty-six inspections were reported as “clean”, noting that definitions and methodologies may vary between Member States.
Control of a car transporter as part of coordinated EU inspections.
Most infringements related to driving and rest time rules, as well as tachograph offences such as manipulation, driving without a driver card or calibration issues. Inspectors also identified missing posting declarations and other documents, including Community licences. In addition, cases of undeclared work, illegal employment and potential underpayment of wages were recorded.
Examples from individual countries highlight how the targeted approach works in practice. In Slovenia, inspectors using REDCR technology identified a driver who had exceeded the daily driving limit. The driver was immediately prohibited from continuing the journey, their licence was temporarily seized, and a reduced daily rest period was ordered. In Germany, enforcement officers discovered a complex tachograph manipulation device during a roadside check, resulting in the vehicle being banned from operation until full compliance was restored and a security deposit of €30,000 was paid.
According to the European Labour Authority, joint, technology-driven inspections will continue.
Multi-agency inspection team carrying out checks on an international route.
