Learn more about legal changes in transport in 2017

CATEGORIES OF INFRINGEMENTS OF THE UNION RULES

Regulation EU2016/403 supplements the Regulation of the European Parliament and the Council (EC) no. 1071/2009. Under the Regulation, a classification of infringements of the Union rules is introduced, which may lead to the loss of good repute by the road transport operator. Loss of reputation is connected with very specific consequences. The effects range from increased audits of the company to even losing the license. Therefore it is worth learing more about the classification of infringements.

Date of implementation: 1.01.2017

Valid in: The European Union

Applies to: Carriers

CHANGES IN MINIMUM WAGE RATES FOR DRIVERS

Regulations concerning the minimum wage for drivers implemented in 2015 in Germany (MiLoG) and in 2016 in France (Loi Macron) are still in force. However it will get more expensive as of 1.01.2017. In Germany the minimum wage will increase to the level of 8.84 Euro per hour (currently it is 8.50 Euro). In France the rate will remain at the same level, however a company which posts a worker to that country will have an additional fee to pay (maximum 50 Euro) and the obligation to register on the SIPSI platform. It is possible that in 2017 minimum wage rates will be imposed in Spain, the Netherlands and in Italy.

Date of implementation: 1.01.2017

Valid in: Selected countries

Applies to: Carriers

CHANGES IN REGULATIONS CONCERNING EMPLOYING NON-EU DRIVERS

30.09.2016 was the deadline for EU member states to introduce regulations compliant with the Directive 2014/36/EU concerning the conditions of entry and stay of third-country nationals for the purpose of employment as seasonal workers. According to the Directive, as of 1.01.2017, drivers from Armenia, Belarus, Georgia, Moldavia, Russia and Ukraine will be obligated to obtain a work permit also when the duration of their work does not exceed 180 days. So far, in some of the EU member states (for instance in Poland), they could start work for 6 months based on a declaration.The new law also provides that the wages of a foreigner must be comparable to the wages of an employee from the country where they are employed.

Date of implementation: 1.01.2017

Valid in: The European Union 

Applies to: Carriers

CHANGES IN TRANSPORT OF DANGEROUS GOODSThe new ADR Agreement will change markings (changed label for class 9), names, and regulations for batteries. New dangerous materials will appear (Un 3526-3534), as well as new packagings (flexible bulk container BK3). Responsibilities of the loading and unloading parties will also change. Detailed definitions will appear in places where previously only "loading and unloading" was referred to. It is the answer to the frequent interventions of the Road Transport Inspectorate in the UE when vehicles were stopped unprepared for transport with reference to cargo securing rules (e.g. goods not secured to the pallet) The complete text of ADR 2017 will be available for download in January 2017 from this website.

Date of implementation: 1.07. 2017

Valid in: 48 states                   

Applies to: Carriers and consignees