2018/0477/FIN
EC/EFTA
FI Finland
  • T40T - Urban and road transport
2018-12-27
2018-09-28

Use of vehicles in categories M, N and O and combinations thereof on the road

Government Decree amending the Decree on the use of vehicles on the road

It is hereby proposed that the maximum authorised lengths of vehicles and vehicle combinations registered or put into circulation in the EEA State be amended. It is also proposed that new types of vehicle combinations that derogate from the existing vehicle combinations be allowed for use on the road.

The proposal lays down maximum authorised dimensions, masses, manoeuvrability requirements for longer vehicle combinations and new types of vehicle combinations, as well as the connection and equipment requirements relating to the safe use of vehicles and vehicle combinations.

The maximum authorised lengths of a vehicle on the road would be amended so that for a vehicle other than a vehicle in category M2 or M3, the maximum authorised length on the road would be amended from 12 metres to 13 metres, the new pull length of a semi-trailer would be 18 metres and that of an actual trailer 16.00 metres. The maximum authorised length of the combination of a lorry and a semi-trailer would be amended from 16.50 metres to 23 metres. In the future, the maximum authorised length of the combination consisting of a vehicle and a centre-axle trailer would be 20.75 metres instead of the current length of 18.75 metres. The maximum authorised length of the combination consisting of a lorry and one or more trailers would change from the current length of 25.25 metres to 34.50 metres, from which the sum of the internal loading lengths behind the cabin of the towing vehicle would change from the current length of 21.42 metres to 29.24 metres. The maximum authorised internal loading lengths are based on Council Directive 96/53/EC laying down for certain road vehicles circulating within the Community the maximum authorised dimensions in national and international traffic and the maximum authorised weights in international traffic, hereinafter referred to as the ‘Masses and Dimensions Directive’, with the module dimension of 7.82 metres and 13.6 metres according to the principles of modular concept. The maximum authorised mass of a vehicle and a centre-axle trailer would be amended from the current 44 tons to 50 tons. The authorised masses of new, longer combinations with an increased number of axles would be 74 tons for ten axles and 76 tons for at least eleven axles.