Belgian Authorities Issue Heavy Fines on Easter Monday

Easter Monday proved costly for several HGV drivers in Belgium as the Federal Police carried out a national enforcement campaign, uncovering widespread violations ranging from illegal residence to serious breaches of EU social regulations.

On Monday, 21 April 2025, the Belgian Federal Road Police (Federale Politie / Police Fédérale) launched a nationwide inspection operation targeting the working and living conditions of professional drivers. The coordinated action took place at nine motorway truck stops across the country and involved multiple enforcement and inspection bodies.

 

A total of 294 trucks were inspected, with 243 drivers found to have spent their regular weekly rest period inside the cab of their vehicle—a direct violation of EU social regulations. These operators were issued administrative fines, with each offence incurring a penalty of €1,800.

 

Multi-Agency Cooperation

The enforcement effort was a joint operation involving the Federal Road Police, Shipping Police, and various local police zones (Antwerp, Centre Ardennes, HEKLA, and Leuven), along with customs officials, and inspectors from a wide range of agencies including:

 

• CLS, LSS, LfA, LIKIV
• Regional Social Inspectorate
• SIRS (Federal Social Fraud Inspectorate)
• Federal Mobility Department
• Immigration Office
• and observers from the European Labour Authority (ELA)

 

Inspectors from Romania and Lithuania were also present as official observers. According to Belgian authorities, companies found to be in breach may face further investigations in their respective home countries.

 

Range of Violations Identified

In total, 294 vehicles were checked. Of those, 243 drivers were confirmed to have taken their weekly rest in the cab during the Easter holiday, triggering fines. Additional violations recorded include:

 

• Tachograph manipulation: 20 offences
• Driving and rest time violations: 14
• Missing driver attestations: 4
• Incomplete CMR documents: 1
• Employment-related violations: 8
• Illegal residency: 4 individuals discovered
• 5 vehicles seized by SIRS due to violations linked to social legislation and suspected fraud

 

Total Fines Approaching Half a Million Euro

According to authorities, the total amount of on-the-spot fines collected during the operation was an astounding €487,765.

 

The EPDA supports fair enforcement of EU regulations that protect driver welfare and uphold legal working standards. This case serves as a clear reminder of the ongoing scrutiny of cross-border transport operations and the importance of full compliance with driving time, rest period, and employment regulations across all EU Member States.