Police detain two truck drivers banned from driving, as they illegally picked up defective trucks together in Moers, potentially risking further violations
On Tuesday, February 4, 2025, at 11:30 AM, a significant incident unfolded on a Bulgarian highway as highway police stopped a Bulgarian truck for an inspection.
The driver of the truck, a 55-year-old Macedonian, was found to be operating the vehicle without the required driver's license and professional driver qualification, as per EU regulations. This was not an isolated case, as another Macedonian driver involved in the incident was also discovered to be in the same predicament.
The truck's technical condition was found to be defective, with several serious issues that posed potential traffic hazards. The brake force on the rear axle was non-existent, and the brake pressure reservoir was temporarily secured with a lashing strap. The vehicle also had a defect in the steering mechanism, and the air suspension bellows were on the verge of bursting.
In addition, another truck on the A40 was identified as the replacement for the original truck, and the replacement driver was found to have only minor defects in his vehicle.
The highway police recorded several offenses and administrative violations in these incidents. The drivers were prohibited from continuing their journeys, and the enforcement of regulations aimed at curbing illegal employment was evident.
Third-country drivers operating EU-registered trucks must comply with EU rules requiring a valid driver’s license and professional qualifications that meet EU standards, as well as vehicle safety regulations applicable to the trucks. These regulations are in place to ensure road safety and fair competition within the EU transport market.
EU regulations also require third-country drivers to receive remuneration that matches the sector's minimum wage, regardless of contract type or working hours, ensuring fair labor conditions. The charging of third-country drivers is under scrutiny, as extensive use without equitable regulations risks distorting fair competition and may degrade working conditions in the transport sector.
In conclusion, to operate EU-registered trucks professionally, third-country drivers must hold recognized driving licenses with professional qualifications, adhere to vehicle safety regulations, and receive fair remuneration under EU law or relevant national implementations.
- The incident on the Bulgarian highway highlighted the need for third-country drivers to comply with EU regulations in the finance sector, as various drivers were found to be operating EU-registered trucks without the required driver's license and professional qualifications, a violation of EU rules that aim for fair competition within the transportation industry.
- While the general-news headlines focused on the highway police stopping a Bulgarian truck for an inspection, the subsequent discoveries of illegal employment and defective trucks shed light on the importance of enforcing EU regulations in the crime-and-justice context, ensuring that all drivers adhere to safety and labor standards within the transportation industry.
- The financial implications of non-compliance with EU regulations were evident as the drivers were prohibited from continuing their journeys, signaling the transportation industry's commitment to upholding industry-wide safety regulations and maintaining fair competition in accordance with council directives and European Union finance protocols.
