European drivers should prepare for a year of intensified roadside inspections as ROADPOL, the European Road Policing Network, has released its 2026 calendar of coordinated control activities.
The planned operations will involve periodic, Europe-wide actions during which road authorities will focus on heavy vehicle safety, compliance with drivers’ working and rest time regulations, and the technical condition of vehicles.
The initiative brings together national road policing services affiliated with ROADPOL and aims to reduce fatal accidents and serious injuries on Europe’s roads through coordinated enforcement.
A week of intensified roadside inspections passed this second week of February
The operation took place from Monday 9 February to Sunday 15 February and marked the first of three one-week campaigns planned for the year.
As in previous years, roadside inspections will be carried out simultaneously in all EU member states, as well as in Switzerland, Serbia, and Turkey. In some countries, inspection teams may also be supported by officials from the European Labour Authority (ELA), particularly for checks related to employment conditions and the posting of drivers.
Where drivers can expect checks
The “Truck & Bus” campaigns typically focus on Europe’s main freight corridors, especially in countries with high volumes of international transit traffic. Drivers can therefore expect roadside inspections throughout the EU, as well as in Switzerland, Serbia, and Turkey, which regularly take part in ROADPOL operations.
Roadside inspections will not be limited to motorways and major roads. Authorities will also carry out roadside inspections at rest areas, ports, border crossings, and logistics hubs, where long-distance and cross-border transport activity is most concentrated.
Coordination at European level
The operations will be coordinated by the ROADPOL Operational Working Group, which is responsible for analysing enforcement data, identifying trends, and facilitating the exchange of best practices among participating countries.
By aligning control activities across borders, ROADPOL seeks to improve consistency in enforcement and strengthen the overall impact of road safety measures.
Trucks and Buses remain top priority
Trucks and buses will once again be a major focus for enforcement authorities.
In this context, they will be three “Truck & Bus” control weeks are scheduled for 2026:
- 9–15 February
- 4–10 May
- 16–22 November
During these campaigns, officers will check, among other things, the technical condition of vehicles, compliance with driving and rest time rules, as well as overloading and other violations that may compromise road safety.
ROADPOL representatives stress that these actions are designed not only to eliminate dangerous practices but also to remind operators and drivers that road safety starts with proper vehicle maintenance and strict adherence to regulations.
Seat belt enforcement in March
In March, road authorities across Europe will take part in the Seat Belt Operation, scheduled for 9–15 March. The campaign aims to increase seat belt use and ensure the correct installation of child restraint systems.
Despite clear evidence of their effectiveness, failure to wear a seat belt remains one of the leading causes of fatal and serious road accidents.
Speed and risky driving under the spotlight
Speed enforcement will be intensified during the Speed Operation, which will take place from 13–19 April and again from 3–9 August.
A 24-hour Speed Marathon is planned for 15 April, during which continuous speed checks will be carried out across Europe. The operation serves as a reminder that excessive speed continues to be one of the main risk factors on European roads.
Lessons from previous campaigns
Experience from earlier “Truck & Bus” operations shows clear irregularities. The most common infringements include violations of driving and rest time regulations, as well as tachograph-related offences, ranging from digital manipulation and driving without a driver card to calibration irregularities.
Authorities have also repeatedly uncovered illegal cabotage operations, missing or incomplete transport documents—such as Community licences or posting declarations—and cases of illegal employment.
In practice, transport operators and drivers will be subject to increased roadside inspections related to road safety and social compliance.
Check out our other articles about Roadside Inspections.
