Truck Drivers Charged for Breaching Weekly Rest Regulations – Fines Up to 30,000 DKK

On Sunday afternoon, the Eastern Heavy Vehicle Center (Tungvognscenter Øst) conducted a targeted inspection of truck drivers’ compliance with weekly rest regulations. The inspection took place at parking areas in both Køge and Brøndby and revealed several violations.

In Køge, three foreign trucks were inspected. None of them complied with the requirement that the regular weekly rest period of over 45 hours must not be spent inside the vehicle. The trucks and their drivers were taken to the Traffic Department, where the responsible company paid a fine of 20,000 DKK on Monday morning, allowing the vehicles to resume their journeys.

The inspection continued in Brøndby, where another four foreign trucks were checked. Here, one driver was found to have stayed in his vehicle for over 48 hours. He claimed to have stayed at a nearby hotel, but was unable to provide any receipts or booking confirmation, and the hotel later confirmed he had not stayed there.

As a result, the truck was seized. The fine amounts to 10,000 DKK for the driver and 20,000 DKK for the company. The company has indicated that it wishes to contest the case in court and has offered to deposit the fine in the meantime. The truck remains impounded pending payment.