BALM with Results of Focused Inspections in March

The Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility (BALM) conducted further focused inspections in March 2024 on the topics of compliance with cabotage regulations, monitoring of regular weekly rest periods, and Technical Roadside Inspections (TUK).

(Köln) On March 11, 2024, BALM carried out nationwide focused inspections regarding the monitoring of regular weekly rest periods at 28 inspection sites with 82 inspection staff from traffic control services. During the inspection actions on March 5/6 and March 20/21, regulations for compliance with cabotage regulations were primarily inspected at 33 and 34 inspection sites with 170 and 151 inspection personnel nationwide. All inspection actions were accompanied by technical roadside inspections.

In the area of the Munich branch, the inspection actions on March 5/6 and March 20/21 were supported by Bavarian traffic police inspections. The selection of inspection sites was based on expected traffic volume, findings from previous inspections, and experience from the inspection service. It should be noted that the results of focused inspections are generally not representative and therefore do not allow for reliable conclusions about the overall situation.

Relevant Inspection Results

During the inspection actions on March 5 and 6, a total of 814 vehicles were inspected, considering all legal areas. 756 vehicles were checked for compliance with cabotage regulations, 74 vehicles for compliance with regulations regarding the conduct of regular rest periods outside the vehicle, and 31 vehicles were inspected by technical experts for technical deficiencies. 29 vehicles were found to be in violation of cabotage regulations. Five violations were identified regarding the prohibition of conducting the regular weekly rest period in the vehicle. Among the 31 vehicles inspected for technical deficiencies, 10 technical deficiencies were discovered, including two in the area of lighting.

On March 11, a total of 345 vehicles were inspected, considering all legal areas. Of these, 326 vehicles were checked for compliance with the regular weekly rest period outside the vehicle, 129 vehicles for compliance with cabotage regulations, and 36 vehicles were inspected by technical experts for technical deficiencies. Nine vehicles were found to be in violation of cabotage regulations, and 38 violations related to the prohibition of conducting the regular weekly rest period in the vehicle were identified. Among the 36 vehicles inspected for technical deficiencies, one technical deficiency (manipulated tachograph) was discovered.

30 Violations of Cabotage Regulations

During the inspection action on March 20 and 21, a total of 792 vehicles were inspected, considering all controlled legal areas. Of these, 752 vehicles were checked for compliance with cabotage regulations, 73 vehicles for compliance with the regular weekly rest period outside the vehicle, and 69 vehicles were inspected by technical experts for technical deficiencies. 30 vehicles were found to be in violation of cabotage regulations. Four violations related to the prohibition of conducting the regular weekly rest period in the vehicle were identified. Among the 69 vehicles inspected for technical deficiencies, eleven violations were discovered, including four violations in the area of tires and two each in the areas of lighting and brakes.

The Inspections Will Continue

During these focused inspections in March 2024, a total of approximately 156,356 EUR was collected in security deposits, considering all controlled legal areas. The nationwide implementation of inspection actions focusing on cabotage, monitoring of regular weekly rest periods, and Technical Roadside Inspections by the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility will continue.

Photo: © BALM