Road Transport Sanctions Scale 2026
Official updated encoder: Fines, infringement types, and loss of good repute according to EU Mobility Package and national laws.
Chapter 1: The Sanctioning System in the Smart Tachograph V2 Era
The transport sanctions scale is more than just a list of fines; it is the control mechanism that ensures fair competition across the European Union. In 2026, following the consolidation of Regulation (EU) 2024/1258 and the Mobility Package, amounts have been adjusted to penalize driver rest violations and technological tampering with extreme severity.
Transport regulations typically classify infringements into three levels of gravity: Minor, Serious, and Very Serious. However, the major shift this year is the direct link between each fine and the Risk Rating System (ERRU), where a "Very Serious" infringement can automatically trigger proceedings for the loss of the company's Good Repute.
Chapter 2: Very Serious Infringements (VSI)
These sanctions carry heavy fines and are the ones that pose a real risk to the company's Community License.
| INFRINGEMENT DESCRIPTION | AMOUNT (EST.) |
|---|---|
| Tachograph Manipulation: Use of magnets, altered software, or devices that modify data records or GNSS positioning. | €4,001+ |
| Lack of Driver Card: Driving without having inserted the driver card or using a falsified card or one belonging to another person. | €2,001+ |
| Weekly Rest Violations: Reduction of the regular weekly rest by more than 50% without technical justification. | €2,001+ |
| Daily Driving Excess: Exceeding the maximum limit by more than 50% (e.g., driving 15h without a long break). | €2,001+ |
Chapter 3: Serious Infringements
These are usually related to errors in time management or failures in manual recording. Although the amount is lower, the accumulation of these sanctions is the primary cause of office-based audits.
- Defective Manual Entries: Failing to correctly perform the manual recording of activities when inserting the card.
- Insufficient Breaks: Taking breaks of less than 45 minutes (or 15/30 fractions) when driving time requires it.
- Activity Selector: Incorrect use of availability or "crossed hammers" mode to hide effective work time.
Chapter 4: Graduation of Sanctions by Time
The 2026 scale applies an arithmetic scale for driving excesses. Exceeding by 5 minutes is not the same as an hour. For example, in daily driving:
- Excess up to 1 hour: (Minor Infringement).
- Excess from 1h to 2h: (Serious Infringement).
- Excess over 2h: (Very Serious Infringement).
Note: These amounts can often be reduced by 30% for prompt payment, which usually waives the right to appeal the fine.
Chapter 5: Sanctions in Passenger Transport
For bus fleets, the scale includes critical specifications regarding the 12-day rule. Failure to meet internationality requirements or the driver's non-return to the operational center after occasional service is penalized as a Very Serious infringement.
Chapter 6: Quick FAQ on Fines
Summary for Fleet Management
The 2026 scale leaves no room for improvisation. Total digitalization of inspections via DSRC antennas allows administrations to sanction with surgical efficiency. The only way to keep the company's balance positive is active prevention: audit before the inspector does.
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