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Adopted text

Road vehicles: maximum weights and dimensions

TA-9-2024-0126 · P9_TA(2024)0126 · PE754.850

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Parliament's amended version of a proposed directive amending Directive 96/53/EC on maximum weights and dimensions of road vehicles. It updates rules on cross-border heavier lorries, European Modular Systems, indivisible loads, zero-emission vehicle allowances, enforcement and reporting. It phases out heavier fossil-fuelled lorries in international traffic from 2035, allows extra weight and length for zero-emission technology, and sets a 44-tonne limit for cross-border vehicle combinations until 31 December 2034. It requires Member States to set up electronic one-stop shops and a European web portal for permits and route information, harmonised permit rules for indivisible loads, and an EU label for long vehicles. It strengthens enforcement through automatic weighing systems on the TEN-T core network, minimum checks, Intelligent Access Policy schemes, penalties and regular Commission reporting.

Key points

  1. Updates definitions and references to type-approval rules, including for trailers, semi-trailers, alternatively fuelled vehicles and intermodal transport operations.
  2. Requires special permits for vehicles exceeding maximum weights or dimensions carrying indivisible loads, issued electronically, with proportionate, non-discriminatory conditions and no language requirements for drivers.
  3. Allows Member States to permit European Modular Systems in national and international traffic, subject to prior assessment, published weight and dimension limits, network connectivity, monitoring and safety measures.
  4. Allows trials of new technologies for a limited period; EMS trials may last a maximum of five years, renewable once for a maximum of three years.
  5. Requires Member States to establish electronic one-stop shops for permit applications and information, and the Commission to set up a European web portal within 6 months after the transposition date.
  6. Sets a 44-tonne weight limit for cross-border vehicle combinations allowed nationally, applicable until 31 December 2034, with higher weights possible for intermodal transport.
  7. Requires proof of compliance with updated type-approval rules and mandatory recording of intermodal transport information on an eFTI platform.
  8. Allows extra length for aerodynamic devices and cabs, and for zero-emission technology up to 90 cm, without increasing loading length.
  9. Harmonises rules for vehicle transporters with open bodies, allowing a total length of 20.75 metres and specified load overhangs.
  10. Establishes a single EU label for long vehicles and requires the Commission to adopt detailed standards by 1 year after entry into force.
  11. Requires certified automatic weighing systems on the TEN-T core network, at least six checks per million vehicle-kilometres per year, and allows Intelligent Access Policy schemes.
  12. Requires Member States to report every 2 years and the Commission to report every 4 years from 2027, and allows temporary crisis exceptions of up to two months nationally or six months internationally.

Who is affected

  • Road transport operators and hauliers: face new permit, reporting and intermodal documentation requirements.
  • Member States: must set up electronic systems, enforcement measures, monitoring and reporting.
  • Drivers of European Modular Systems: may face certification schemes and training requirements.
  • Manufacturers of heavy-duty vehicles: must comply with updated type-approval and labelling rules.

Figures and deadlines

  • 44 tonnes: maximum weight for cross-border vehicle combinations under Article 4b.
  • 31 December 2034: end date for the 44-tonne cross-border weight limit.
  • 2035: phase-out date for heavier fossil-fuelled lorries in international traffic.
  • 90 cm: maximum extra length for zero-emission technology.
  • 20.75 metres: maximum total length for vehicle transporters with open bodies.
  • 0.5 metres and 1.5 metres: maximum front and rear load overhangs for vehicle transporters.
  • Five years, renewable once for three years: maximum duration of EMS trials.
  • Six checks per one million vehicle-kilometres: minimum annual weight checks per Member State.

Legal basis: Article 91 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union.