Tank car driver in Vorarlberg: Tens of thousands of euros punishment for breakdowns!

Tank car driver in Vorarlberg: Tens of thousands of euros punishment for breakdowns!

On May 14, 2025, considerable defects were found during routine police controls on the A14 in Hörbranz, Vorarlberg. The driver had to pay an amount of around 10,000 euros in preliminary security benefits before he was allowed to continue his trip to Bosnia and Herzegovina. The vehicle showed two additional boards for the identification of environmentally hazardous substances, but the labeling did not meet the legal requirements.

The missing orange plates that are necessary for the prescribed labeling of dangerous goods transport were a violation. In addition, the driver had no authorization ID for the transport of dangerous goods and did not have the necessary specialist knowledge. The tanker was empty but unclear, which meant that it had to be properly cleaned.

dangerous goods transport and its regulations

dangerous goods transport that can represent potential dangers for people, animals, environment or real assets are subject to strict regulations. These apply both nationally and internationally to risk reduction and security. The European regulations are anchored in the ADR (European Convention on International Promotion of Dangerous goods on the street), which was decided in 1957 and came into force in 1968. It is updated every two years, with the last change in force on January 1, 2019. Wedolo.de reports that the next update of dangerous goods regulations for January 1, 2021 is planned.

According to the ADR regulations, the vehicles and containers must have corresponding approvals for the transport of dangerous goods. It is prescribed that all dangerous goods are clearly and uniformly marked, both on the vehicles and on the containers. The missing orange table, which provides information about the type of dangerous goods, is a common reason for significant fines, the amount of which varies depending on the violation. other 300 euros for the lack of the orange table, 100 euros for the wrong visibility and 250 euros for forgetting cleaning after unloading.

drivers of dangerous goods transport must have an ADR certificate that is issued after successful training and examination. The appearance is valid for a maximum of five years, after which refresher courses are necessary. These regulations not only protect the drivers, but also other road users and the environment from potential dangers from the transport of dangerous goods.