New French law - weights and dimensions for trucks

On 31 July 2021, a new French decree was published amending the provisions of the regulatory part of the Highway Code relating to the weights and dimensions of road haulage vehicles.

A: Specifies the conditions for 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 on the maximum authorised weight for road vehicles: from 1 January 2022, the maximum authorised weight for a combination with at least four axles is 40 tonnes; For road haulage taking place entirely on national territory, 44 tonnes are authorised.

C: Transposition of the provisions of the revised Directive 96/53/EC allowing the maximum dimensions of vehicles and vehicle combinations to be exceeded in traffic in order to improve their aerodynamics.

D: Provisions introduced allowing a 1 and 2 tonne exemption for vehicles running on alternative fuel technology.

The new decree allows the competent French authorities to enforce the rules on weight and dimensions for all carriers.

Source: FNTR