Heavy goods vehicles play a crucial role in the transport of goods around the world. However, due to their size, weight and potential impact on road safety, they are subject to specific traffic regulations. These rules aim to ensure the safety of all road users, protect infrastructure and regulate traffic in sensitive areas. In this article, we take stock of the main traffic regulations specific to heavy goods vehicles, in order to better understand the constraints that govern their activity.
What is a heavy goods vehicle?
A heavy goods vehicle, according to European regulations, is any road vehicle whose gross vehicle weight (GVW) exceeds 3.5 tonnes. This includes trucks, semi-trailers and other vehicles intended for the transport of goods.
Specific speed limits for heavy goods vehicles
Heavy goods vehicles, due to their mass and dimensions, cannot travel at the same speed as light vehicles. Here are the main speed limits to which they are subject in France:
Vehicle stability is also an important factor to consider. At high speeds, a heavy vehicle becomes more difficult to control, especially when cornering.
Traffic restrictions for heavy goods vehicles
Heavy goods vehicles are subject to specific driving restrictions , particularly during certain days of the week and times of the year. In France, for example, there are driving bans for heavy goods vehicles weighing more than 7.5 tonnes:
Sundays and public holidays , from 10 p.m. the day before until 10 p.m. on the day in question, throughout the national territory.
During the summer period , additional restrictions apply on certain Saturdays (classified as “black” or “red” Saturdays) to limit the circulation of heavy goods vehicles during holiday departures.
In certain sensitive areas , such as mountainous areas or around large urban areas, restrictions may be in place to reduce traffic congestion.
These restrictions aim to limit the risk of accidents and to improve traffic flow during busy periods.
Exceptions to restrictions
In some cases, exemptions may be granted. For example, vehicles transporting perishable goods (such as food or medicines) may be granted exemptions to circulate during the ban periods.
Mandatory driving and rest times
Another important aspect of the rules specific to heavy goods vehicles concerns the driving and rest times of drivers. These rules are designed to prevent driver fatigue, which is a major cause of accidents involving heavy goods vehicles.
Daily driving time : A driver cannot drive more than 9 hours per day. This time can be extended to 10 hours, but only twice a week.
Weekly driving time : It is limited to 56 hours per week, and to 90 hours over two consecutive weeks.
Mandatory break : After 4.5 hours of driving, a break of at least 45 minutes is mandatory.
Daily rest period : The driver must observe a daily rest period of 11 consecutive hours (or 9 hours in certain cases).
Weekly rest period : The driver must benefit from a weekly rest period of at least 45 hours, which may be reduced to 24 hours under certain conditions.
These rules are scrupulously monitored by the competent authorities, in particular with the help of the tachograph , a device installed in the truck which records driving and rest times.
Loading and overloading rules
Loading heavy goods vehicles is subject to strict regulations. This includes not only the total weight of the load, but also its distribution and securing, which are crucial for safety.
Weight and overload
A heavy goods vehicle must not exceed its maximum permissible weight (MPW) , which is indicated on the vehicle registration document. Overloaded trucks are not only dangerous, as they affect the stability and handling of the vehicle, but they can also cause damage to road infrastructure (bridges, roads, etc.).
The authorities regularly carry out weight checks on the roads. In the event of overloading, the driver and the company risk severe fines and may be forced to unload part of the cargo before continuing on their journey.
Distribution and securing of the load
The load must be evenly distributed in the truck to avoid any imbalance while driving, especially when cornering or braking. In addition, the goods must be securely fastened to prevent them from moving during transport, which could destabilize the vehicle.
