Transport Inspection Guide 2026: Mastering Compliance

In the current European logistics landscape, a road transport inspection is no longer a random event but a data-driven certainty. With the convergence of the EU Mobility Package and the ROTT 2026 framework, authorities now possess forensic tools capable of auditing your fleet's integrity in seconds.

Chapter 1: The Two Fronts of Transport Enforcement

Modern transport enforcement operates on two distinct levels: the immediate roadside check and the deep-dive office audit. Understanding the difference is critical for maintaining your company's Good Repute.

1.1. Roadside Checks: The 56-Day Window

Following the latest updates in European law, inspectors at the roadside now scrutinize the current day and the previous 56 days of activity. They utilize Remote Early Detection Communication (DSRC) to flag vehicles with suspicious tachograph behavior without even stopping them. Any inconsistency in driving and rest hours leads to immediate fines and potential vehicle impoundment.

1.2. Company Premises Audits: The 12-Month Deep Dive

When an inspection is moved to the company's headquarters, the scope expands to the last 12 months. Here, the focus shifts from individual errors to systemic failures. The administration will demand all DDD files and TGD files to verify that the company is exercising its legal duty of supervision.

Chapter 2: Forensic Data Scrutiny and Smart Tachograph V2

The introduction of the Smart Tachograph Version 2 (G2V2) has revolutionized how data is analyzed. Automated border crossings and GNSS positioning leave no room for manual entry errors.

2.1. The Criticality of Border Crossing Records

One of the most penalized infractions under current transport inspections is the failure to record border crossings. While G2V2 units do this automatically, older units require manual input. Missing a single entry can trigger a "Very Serious Infraction" (VSI), impacting the company's risk rating across the EU.

2.2. Detecting Tachograph Tampering and Manipulation

Inspectors now use advanced software to detect motion sensor interruptions or GNSS shielding. Any attempt at tachograph tampering is now easily identifiable through data speed-trace analysis, often resulting in criminal charges in several jurisdictions.

Chapter 3: Avoiding the Loss of Good Repute (IRIE Index)

Under the ROTT 2026, "Good Repute" is the lifeblood of your transport license. The administration uses the Repeated Infringement Index (IRIE) to track compliance.

3.1. How Violations Accumulate

It is a common mistake to think that minor fines don't matter. In reality, accumulated excesses weight your IRIE score. Once you pass the threshold, the administration initiates a procedure to suspend your operator's license. Monitoring weekly rest compliance is the only way to keep your score clean.

Chapter 4: Digital Tools for Audit Preparation

The only way to survive a 12-month audit is to act as your own inspector. This requires moving beyond simple data storage into active digital fleet management.

4.1. The Importance of Data Interpretation

Raw data is often misleading. A DDD file reader must do more than show hours; it must interpret the complex nuances of the allowance calculation and posting of workers. Failure to correctly calculate these can lead to payment transparency disputes during labor inspections.

4.2. Converting Technical Data to Defensible Evidence

During an inspection, you need to provide clear evidence. Being able to convert tachograph files to PDF with professional analysis reports allows you to justify discrepancies and prove that your company takes smart mobility seriously.