On Friday, August 8, 2025, the police, together with their network partners, inspected 3,402 HGVs during a nationwide priority check to monitor commercial passenger and goods traffic. The officers detected more than 2,400 infringements in over 60 percent of the vehicles checked (2,082). 166 drivers were even banned from continuing their journey.
With around 600 violations for excessive speed and around 520 for insufficient distance, the two main causes of accidents accounted for more than half of the violations detected. The enforcement officers also paid particular attention to compliance with the law on driving personnel. During the checks, 280 violations of social regulations were detected, for example because drivers had not complied with driving and rest times. 42 vehicles were overloaded. In 261 cases, the load was not properly secured. In 146 cases, there were technical defects in the vehicle.
However, it was not only the vehicles that were extensively inspected by the inspectors. The checks also included testing the driver's fitness to drive and inspecting the documents they were carrying.
A drug test was carried out on 14 drivers and a breath alcohol test on two truck drivers. 63 truck drivers were unable to produce the necessary documents. Five driving licenses were confiscated by the officers.
Minister Herbert Reul: "The truck checks yesterday showed that there is a lot of risk involved. People who drive too fast, don't keep their distance or sit behind the wheel for far too long and transport overloaded trucks from A to B are not good service providers. Such drivers endanger themselves and everyone else - with their eyes wide open. This calls for more controls and hefty penalties. Compared to other European countries, the penalties here are significantly lower. Germany must not be a paradise for bargain sinners. Anyone who breaks the rules and risks safety must feel the consequences."
Nearly 750 police officers checked trucks at more than 30 locations on freeways and in urban areas. The police were supported by network partners such as the Federal Office for Logistics and Mobility, the district governments, the employers' liability insurance associations, customs and the relevant local authorities. The aim of the checks was to prevent accidents with serious consequences and to increase safety on our roads.