What are the most important regulations regarding car transport in Europe?

Basic EU vehicle transport regulations

The transportation of cars in Europe is carried out under the harmonization of transportation regulations, which aim to unify the rules in all EU member states. The most important areas of regulation are market access, transport safety and vehicle technical requirements.

Access to the transport market

Access to the international market is governed by Regulation (EC) No. 1072/2009, which requires carriers performing car transport services to hold a Community license. It is required to carry out transport operations between EU countries.

Transport safety

Directive 2014/47/EU mandates technical roadside inspections of commercial vehicles. Particular attention is paid to the proper securing of cargo. Carriers are required to use appropriate lashing systems that comply with EN 12195-1 standards.

Driver working time

Carriers must ensure that drivers observe mandatory breaks (45 minutes after 4.5 hours of driving) as well as daily and weekly rest periods. Violations of these regulations can lead to fines and restrictions on operations.

Mobility Package

A phrase which gives carriers goosebumps! The Mobility Package is a series of changes and regulations aimed at unifying regulations and working conditions in the transport industry. More requirements and regulations are being introduced systematically from 2020, and the range of regulations is quite broad – from tachographs to driver salaries.

Car transport regulations – technical requirements and safety

Safety and proper technical preparation of vehicles plays a key role in car transportation. At least from a legal point of view. The European Union has introduced a number of regulations to protect road users and minimize the risk of damage to transported vehicles.

Technical requirements for car carriers

According to Directive 96/53/EC, car carriers must meet certain standards for maximum dimensions and weights. In particular:

• The maximum height of a loaded vehicle is 4 meters in most EU countries.
• The permissible gross vehicle weight (GVW) is 40 tons, for combinations consisting of a tractor and a semi-trailer.
• Vehicles must be equipped with appropriate lighting systems and warning signs.

Loading safety and vehicle securing

European regulations require the use of the cargo securing standards specified in EN 12195-1. These requirements include:

• Using lashing straps of adequate strength as well as markings in accordance with applicable standards.
• Securing vehicles on the car carrier with wheel locks or other stabilizing systems.
• Regularly checking the technical condition of lashings and securing devices.

Safety systems in vehicles carrying cars

As of July 6, 2024, all newly registered trucks, including car carriers, must be equipped with certain safety systems. This requirement stems from Regulation (EU) 2019/2144 and includes:

• Emergency braking systems (AEBS),
• Stability support systems (ESP),
• Tire pressure monitoring systems (TPMS),
• Driver assistance systems – lane keeping assist, emergency braking system or driver fatigue detection system.

Carriage of cars – customs and tax regulations

The transportation of cars within the European Union and their import from outside the community are subject to certain customs and tax regulations. Transportation of cars between member countries is carried out without customs controls or the requirement to pay customs duties. However, what about more complicated operations?

Carriage of cars from outside the EU

The import of cars from outside the European Union is subject to regulations set out in the EU Union Customs Code. Key requirements include:

1. Customs declaration: cars imported into the EU must be declared at the relevant customs office.
2. Customs fees:
   • The customs duty for passenger cars is usually 10% of the vehicle’s value.
   • The duty is calculated based on the customs value, which includes the purchase price and transportation costs.
3. VAT:
   • VAT must be paid in the country where the vehicle is first registered; the amount depends on the rate applicable in the respective member state (usually 20-25%).
4. Excise tax:
   • In Poland, excise taxes for passenger cars depend on the engine capacity and vehicle age:
     • Up to 2.0 l – 3,1% of the car value
     • Above 2.0 l – 18,6% of the car value

EU transport regulations 2025 – what will change?

The European Union is constantly working to harmonize transportation regulations to meet the challenges of environmental protection and balance in the transportation market. The new regulations, which will take effect in 2025, are a continuation of the Mobility Package. The greatest emphasis will be placed on digitization and decarbonization of transportation.

Digitization of transport documentation

Beginning in 2025, carriers carrying international freight within the EU will be required to use the eFTI (Electronic Freight Transport Information) system. The system:

• Will enable digital exchange of shipping documentation between carriers and inspection authorities.
• Will replace the traditional paper form of documents, such as consignment notes (CMRs).
• Will speed up inspection processes through easier access to data.

Tightening environmental standards

• Introducing mandatory CO₂ emission registers for carriers, which will be monitored at the EU level.
• Mandatory use of vehicles fulfilling the Euro 7 emission standard, which will introduce stricter emission limits for commercial vehicles.
• Discounts for carriers using electric, hybrid and hydrogen-powered vehicles.

New rules on working time and rest

The 2025 Mobility Package will tighten control over compliance with driver working time. It will introduce:

• Second-generation digital tachographs in new vehicles, which will enable more precise monitoring of driver routes as well as driving and rest times.
• Mandatory driver return to the country of registration every 4 weeks (currently every 8 weeks), which is expected to improve working conditions for drivers.

Changes in cabotage

Cabotage rules will be adjusted to reduce the phenomenon of “social dumping. The rules will come into effect in 2025:

• Reducing the number of cabotage operations that can be performed in a short period of time.
• Requiring more detailed documentation and reporting of operations performed by carriers.

Unfortunately, it seems that the changes being introduced generate more chaos and make it even more difficult for carriers to do business. Strikes and initiatives taken by Polish representatives of the transport industry have unfortunately not changed anything in this regard. Thus, we recommend following the changes in regulations and adjusting to the new regulations in advance.

Legal basis of car transportation in Europe

• Regulation (EC) No. 1071/2009 – establishes common rules for access to the occupation of road transport operator and the conditions that the enterprise must meet.
• Regulation (EC) No. 1072/2009 – concerns common rules for access to the international road transport market, including car transport and cabotage operations.
• Mobility Package – a set of amendments to transport regulations that regulate, among other things, driver working hours, market access and rules for carrying out cabotage operations.
• Directive 96/53/EC – defines maximum dimensions and weights of commercial vehicles in international traffic.
• Regulation (EC) No. 561/2006 – regulates driver working time, mandatory breaks and rest periods.
• Directive 2014/47/EU – deals with technical roadside inspection of commercial vehicles, including car carriers.
• European Union Customs Code (Regulation (EU) No. 952/2013) – sets rules for importing cars from outside the EU, including customs procedures and documentation requirements.
• Directive 2008/50/EC on Air Quality and Cleaner Air for Europe – imposes indirect requirements on carriers to use vehicles that meet certain emission standards.

This legislation creates a legal framework that regulates both the technical and operational requirements for vehicles transporting cars and the conditions for access to the EU transport market.

European transport regulations in a nutshell

Car transportation in Europe is an area that is strictly regulated by EU and national regulations, which are designed to ensure safety, environmental protection and fair competition in the market. However, it’s hard not to get the impression that carriers are increasingly forced to keep track of changes in the law instead of simply focus on developing their businesses and carry out transport. Especially since some regulations have contributed to a decrease in the competitiveness of Polish transport companies on the European market.