trans.info — 2025-11-03
Land transportation
European hauliers operating across borders will face higher fines, stricter alcohol limits, and tighter enforcement in 2026.
From Italy’s new road code to Germany’s expanded company liability rules, nearly every major European market has updated its penalty schedule, meaning that for international fleets, keeping up with local rules is more important than ever.
In 2026, Italy takes the lead for the toughest penalties overall: a speeding offence of more than 60 km/h over the limit can cost up to €3,382, and even a hand-held phone carries up to €660.
The Netherlands follows closely for distracted driving, with a €440 fine for using a phone behind the wheel, while Poland tops the table for red-light violations, charging 500 złoty (about €115) and adding a crushing 15 penalty points.
For drink-driving, Italy’s zero-tolerance policy for professional drivers is the most severe, while France and Germany still apply the traditional 0.5 ‰ blood-alcohol limit. Across Europe, the message is consistent: the higher the vehicle weight and risk, the steeper the bill.
Netherlands: higher fines, strict phone ban and 0.2‰ alcohol limit
The Dutch motorists’ association ANWB has published provisional traffic fines for 2026, showing increases of around 3–4 % due to inflation.
Foreign hauliers are routinely fined via EU cross-border enforcement, as most violations are detected automatically.
Dutch enforcement is famously automated: more than 90% of speeding fines are issued by fixed cameras, and even foreign-registered trucks receive penalties via EU data-sharing. Some hauliers report getting fines before their drivers return from delivery.
United Kingdom: £200 fine and 6 points for phone use, DVSA enforcement for hauliers
The UK maintains one of Europe’s strictest approaches to mobile phone use, while penalties for speeding and red-light offences remain moderate compared with EU levels.
Alcohol limits:
- England & Wales: 0.8 g/l (0.35 mg/l breath)
- Scotland & Northern Ireland: 0.5 g/l (0.22 mg/l breath)
There is no lower professional limit, but professional drivers risk vocational sanctions even when below the legal threshold.
Although fines are relatively low, the risk of losing a professional licence makes compliance critical for HGV drivers.
Britain’s roadside enforcement is less automated than on the Continent, but DVSA spot checks are feared for their thoroughness — officers can inspect tachographs, load securing, and vehicle condition in a single stop. Even paperwork errors can lead to an immediate immobilisation or a report to the Traffic Commissioner.
Germany: high penalties for rest-time, tachograph and overloading offences
Germany’s Bußgeldkatalog 2025 imposes separate fines on drivers and companies.
Offence: Daily driving time > limit ≤ 1 hour
Driver: €30
Company: —
Offence: Daily driving time > 2 hours (per 30 min)
Driver: €60
Company: €180
Offence: Short break missing
Driver: up to €60
Company: up to €180
Offence: Missing tachograph download
Driver: €250
Company: up to €750
Offence: Overloading > 20%
Driver: €425 + 1 point
Company: up to €850
Offence: Phone use
Driver: €150 + 1 point
Company: —
Tachograph tampering is a criminal offence; overtaking bans for HGVs are heavily policed. German police frequently use mobile inspection units with portable scales and tachograph readers. Bavaria and North Rhine-Westphalia even operate HGV-only speed and overtaking controls on selected motorways. Violations there can trigger both a fine and Flensburg penalty points within minutes.
Spain: lower alcohol limit and automatic acoustic radars
Spain’s DGT has tightened rules for 2025–26.
Spain has been experimenting with acoustic radars in cities like Madrid and Barcelona to fine excessively noisy vehicles, an innovation now expanding to mountain roads popular with motorcyclists. For truckers, these sound sensors are yet another layer of enforcement alongside speed and emission cameras.
Italy: new road code brings heavier sanctions and zero tolerance
Italy’s updated Codice della Strada introduces some of the harshest penalties in Europe.
Speeding:
+10–40 km/h: €173–€695 + 3 pts
+40–60 km/h: €543–€2 170 + 6 pts + licence suspension 1–3 months
+60 km/h: €845–€3 382 + 10 pts + suspension 6–12 months
The reform also increases roadside checks on vehicle safety systems and tachograph compliance.
Italy’s road police, the Polizia Stradale, have a reputation for strict on-the-spot enforcement, especially on Alpine corridors and near ports. Fines for mobile phone use are often issued together with licence suspensions, and foreign vehicles can be held until the fine is paid — cash or card on site.
France: €135 for phone or red light, 0.5‰ alcohol for HGVs
France’s automatic radar network is one of Europe’s densest, and the government has begun deploying unmarked police cars with onboard cameras that fine drivers without visible enforcement points. Some departments are also trialling AI-based systems to detect seatbelt and phone offences through windscreens.
Poland: heavy point penalties and recidivism doubling
Poland applies some of Europe’s highest demerit points, with doubling of fines for repeat offences within two years. Roadside checks and red-light cameras are widespread on major transit routes.
Poland’s 2022–2024 reforms created one of Europe’s most punitive point systems. Enforcement officers can confiscate driving licences on the spot for major speeding or alcohol offences, and foreign trucks are often stopped for overweight checks at regional transport inspection posts known as ITD.