Mobility Package: the new rules as of February '22

The Mobility Package ensures that the European rules on road transport are thoroughly reformed. It consists of several parts and will enter into force step by step.

The first measures already entered into force on 20 August 2021. The most important changes included: the changes to driving and resting times; the obligation for the driver to return every four weeks ('return home driver' principle); and the stricter rules on taking weekly rest in the truck.

A second set of rules will enter into force on 2 February 2022; a third set on 21 February 2022.

Below we provide a brief and concise overview of the most important changes.

As of 2 February 2022, the road transport operator will also have to take into account, among other things, the following obligations:
- Obligation to report the posting of drivers: the posting of drivers will have to be reported to the IMI (Internal Market Information System). This notification must be made via the IMI portal.
- Registration of border crossings: it will be compulsory to register border crossings on the digital tachograph.

From 21 February 2022 the following rules will be added:
- The 'return home vehicle' principle: commercial vehicles used for international transport will be required to return to one of the operating locations in that Member State every 8 weeks.
- The introduction of the 'cooling off' period: when a haulier enters country A after an international journey, a maximum of 3 cabotage operations may be carried out in country A during a period of 7 days counting from the last unloading operation at the end of the international journey.
After a cabotage operation, the vehicle must leave country A and may not return to the country in question to carry out cabotage operations for 4 days. This is the so-called 'cooling off' period.

Do you have any questions or would you like more information about the mobility package? Feel free to give us a call.