New French Law - weights and dimensions for heavy goods vehicles.
On 31 July 2021, a new French decree was published modifying the provisions of the regulatory part of the Highway Code relating to the weights and dimensions of road goods transport (see attachment).
A: Specifies the conditions allowing a maximum authorised weight of 42 tonnes and 44 tonnes for the transport of containers or swap bodies up to a maximum total length of 45 feet in intermodal transport:
– 42 tonnes if the combination has a two-axle motor vehicle with a three-axle semi-trailer;
– 44 tonnes if the combination has a three-axle motor vehicle with a two or three-axle semi-trailer.
B: Clarifies the rules for the maximum authorised weight for road goods transport vehicles: from 1 January 2022, the maximum authorised weight for a combination with minimum four axles is 40 tonnes; 44 tonnes is allowed for road goods transport carried out entirely on national territory.
C: Transposes the provisions of the revised Directive 96/53/EC which authorise the maximum dimensions of vehicles and combinations of vehicles to be exceeded in circulation in order to improve their aerodynamics.
D: Introduced provisions which allow a 1 and 2 tonne weight exemption for vehicles running on alternative fuel technology.
The new decree will allow the competent French authorities to enforce the rules of weight and dimensions for all transport operators.
Source: FNTR
