Truck Fines in Europe in 2026
From 2026, Europe is set to introduce one of the toughest road enforcement updates in recent years for heavy goods vehicles. Truck fines across the EU will increase significantly, roadside inspections will become stricter, and responsibility for violations will increasingly fall not only on drivers but also on transport companies. These changes will directly affect international road transport, logistics companies, and truck operators working across Europe.
The new enforcement framework focuses primarily on speed violations, mobile phone use while driving, alcohol consumption, compliance with driving and rest time rules, and the correct use of digital tachographs. According to European industry sources, including trasporti-italia.com, the main goal of the reforms is to reduce road accidents and improve discipline among professional truck drivers.
Stricter enforcement across Europe’s international transport routes
The tightening of regulations for trucks in the European Union follows a unified approach. EU countries are increasingly relying on automated enforcement systems, intelligent cameras, and digital monitoring tools. As a result, violations committed during international road transport operations are more likely to be detected — regardless of where the vehicle or transport company is registered.
For freight forwarders, logistics providers and fleet owners, this means higher operational risks and a growing need for tighter internal control over drivers and compliance on European routes.
Italy: among the highest truck fines in Europe
In 2026, Italy is expected to impose some of the strictest penalties on truck drivers in the EU. Exceeding the speed limit by more than 60 km/h may result in fines of up to €3,382, while using a mobile phone while driving can cost up to €660. Speeding by 40–60 km/h may lead to penalties of around €2,170 and a driving ban of up to 12 months.
Alcohol regulations are particularly strict. For professional drivers engaged in international transport, Italy applies a zero-tolerance policy, with maximum penalties reaching €6,000 in serious cases.
The Netherlands: automation and camera-based enforcement
The Netherlands relies heavily on automated traffic enforcement. More than 90% of speeding violations are recorded by cameras, including those involving foreign-registered trucks. Using a mobile phone while driving carries a fine of €440, running a red light costs €320, and not wearing a seatbelt results in a €180 penalty.
Even minor speeding — as little as 4 km/h over the limit — can result in a €37 fine, forcing international carriers to strictly adhere to speed limits when operating in the country.
United Kingdom: fines, penalty points and licence risks
In the United Kingdom, penalties for mobile phone use while driving a truck have been significantly increased. The fine amounts to £200 and includes six penalty points, even if the vehicle is stationary with the engine running. Running a red light is punishable by a £100 fine and three penalty points.
Additionally, the DVSA has expanded powers to suspend or revoke professional driving licences, creating further risks for international road transport companies operating on UK routes.
Germany: shared liability between driver and carrier
Germany continues to enforce strict compliance in road transport, with a strong focus on shared responsibility between the driver and the transport company. Violations related to tachograph use can result in a €250 fine for the driver and up to €750 for the carrier. Exceeding permitted vehicle weight by 20% may lead to fines of €425 and one penalty point for the driver, and up to €850 for the company.
Using a mobile phone while driving a truck is penalised with a €150 fine and one penalty point. Tampering with a tachograph remains a criminal offence under German law.
Spain and France: technology-driven control
Spain is lowering the permitted blood alcohol limit for professional drivers from 0.3 to 0.2 g/l. Mobile phone use while driving may result in fines of up to €500 and six penalty points, while running a red light carries a €400 fine and four points. Spain is also introducing acoustic radars and additional monitoring technologies on major transport corridors.
France continues to expand the use of intelligent radar systems and automated enforcement. Running a red light results in a €135 fine and the loss of up to four licence points. Driving with a blood alcohol level above 0.8 g/l is classified as a criminal offence, punishable by fines of up to €4,500 and possible imprisonment.
Poland: strict penalties and immediate licence confiscation
Poland has introduced stringent sanctions for truck drivers. Using a mobile phone while driving results in a PLN 500 fine and 12 penalty points, while running a red light carries the same fine and up to 15 points. Speeding by 31–40 km/h leads to a PLN 800 fine, with repeat offences punished at double the rate.
The permitted blood alcohol level is 0.2‰, and police are authorised to confiscate driving licences directly at the roadside in case of violations.
What this means for international transport and logistics companies
For international road transport in Europe, the upcoming changes will lead to higher compliance costs, mandatory driver training, updated internal procedures and stricter liability for carriers. Even a single violation may result in substantial fines, licence penalties and operational restrictions.
Recent statistics underline this trend. On Spain’s AP-7 motorway in Catalonia alone, more than 1,000 fines have already been issued to truck drivers this year, while the number of serious incidents has increased by 170%. Authorities link most severe accidents to heavy goods vehicles, reinforcing Europe’s move towards tougher enforcement across international transport routes.