No rest driving for more than 32 hours, fine as high as 16,330 euros

A Romanian truck driver was fined €16,330 after being found driving for over 32 hours without taking the required mandatory rest periods, according to police in Celje. The incident occurred late on August 27, 2026, when officers from the Celje Traffic Police Station inspected a truck at the Lopata motorway rest area. During their inspection, they discovered multiple violations related to the driver’s compliance with legal rest requirements and safety regulations. The police noted that the driver had operated the vehicle for 32 hours and three minutes without adhering to the mandated daily rest periods, relying instead on brief stops. This violation was identified during a detailed examination of the truck's onboard tachograph, which was found to be non-compliant, along with an analysis of the driver’s tachograph card. Additional issues were uncovered regarding the proper securing of cargo within the truck’s load compartment. Police emphasized that this type of violation poses serious risks. They explained that exceeding legally defined driving times leads to increased fatigue and sleepiness among truck drivers, two of the leading causes of severe accidents involving heavy goods vehicles. Fatigue significantly slows reaction time, increasing the distance needed to stop a vehicle and making it harder for drivers to assess safe distances and the speed of other vehicles. The driver, who works for a Romanian transportation company, faces a substantial fine totaling €16,330, which includes penalties for both the driver and the foreign legal entity responsible for the vehicle. The fine reflects the severity of the offense under traffic laws designed to ensure road safety and prevent dangerous driving conditions. The incident highlights the importance of strict adherence to rest period regulations for commercial drivers. These rules are intended to mitigate the risk of fatigue-related accidents, which have been linked to some of the most severe incidents involving large trucks. The police reiterated that such violations not only endanger the lives of the drivers themselves but also pose a threat to other road users. The investigation into the driver’s activities included a thorough review of all recorded data from the tachograph system, which is used to monitor driving hours and rest periods. The findings indicated that the driver had not taken the necessary breaks, thereby violating EU transport regulations that apply to all professional drivers operating within member states. In addition to the fine, the police issued warnings about the potential consequences of such behavior. They pointed out that prolonged driving without adequate rest can lead to impaired judgment, slower reflexes, and a higher likelihood of errors while operating a vehicle. These factors contribute to an increased probability of collisions and other hazardous situations on the road. The case has drawn attention to the need for continued enforcement of traffic regulations and the role of technology in monitoring compliance. The tachograph system serves as a critical tool for ensuring that drivers adhere to legal limits on working hours and rest periods. However, its effectiveness depends on accurate installation and regular maintenance, as well as the integrity of the data it records. Authorities continue to stress the importance of following these guidelines to maintain road safety standards. The incident underscores the ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies to identify and penalize violations that could compromise public safety. As part of these measures, police regularly conduct inspections at rest areas to ensure that drivers comply with all applicable regulations.