The transportation of fuel by road is a complex process that is strictly regulated by ADR rules (European Agreement concerning the International Carriage of Dangerous Goods by Road). One of the key requirements is the limitation on the amount of fuel in vehicles. If the total fuel volume exceeds 1500 liters, such transport falls under stricter regulations, which can lead to serious consequences for the carrier. Let’s explore why it is important to adhere to this limit and what risks arise when it is violated.
ADR Regulations: What You Need to Know
According to Chapter 1.1.3.3 of the ADR, if fuel is transported for the operation of the vehicle or its equipment, it must be stored in special tanks. These tanks can be either built-in or removable, but their total volume must not exceed 1500 liters per transport unit. Additionally, the capacity of a tank attached to a trailer cannot exceed 500 liters. A transport unit includes both the truck and the trailer, as well as any additional equipment that requires fuel.
Furthermore, if a portable fuel container (such as a jerrycan) is used, its volume must not exceed 60 liters per vehicle. When these limits are violated, the vehicle is no longer exempt from strict ADR rules and must comply with all requirements for the transport of dangerous goods, including additional safety measures.
These restrictions do not apply to emergency vehicles.
Problems with Refrigerated Road Trains
Violations of these regulations often occur with refrigerated road trains (commonly referred to as “reefers”). These road trains typically consist of a tractor unit with two large fuel tanks and a refrigerated trailer that also requires fuel for its cooling system.
A common scenario: If the tractor unit has two fuel tanks with a combined volume of about 1500 liters, and the trailer has an additional tank for the cooling system with a volume of 240-245 liters, the total fuel volume for the transport unit exceeds the permitted limit of 1500 liters. This results in a violation of ADR regulations.
A Real Example of a Violation
Recently, a violation was recorded with a road train consisting of a DAF truck and a Schmitz trailer. The truck was equipped with two tanks: one with a capacity of 620 liters and the other with 870 liters. The trailer had an additional tank with a capacity of 190 liters. As a result, the total fuel volume was 1680 liters, which exceeded the allowable limit by 180 liters. This immediately disqualified the vehicle from the ADR exemption, and its journey was halted until the issue was resolved and a security deposit was paid. The police offered the choice of sending a different tractor unit or removing the tank from the current one.
Why This Matters: Risks and Consequences
- Road Safety. The 1500-liter fuel limit is in place for safety reasons. Large amounts of fuel in the event of an accident can pose significant fire or explosion risks. The likelihood of a fuel spill also increases, complicating the work of emergency services and potentially causing serious environmental damage.
- Legal Consequences. Exceeding the allowed fuel volume classifies the transport unit as carrying dangerous goods, requiring full compliance with ADR regulations. Drivers and transport companies must be prepared for additional inspections, fines, and delays. Without adhering to all requirements associated with the transport of dangerous goods, the vehicle may be detained, and the company will incur significant losses. The police often require either sending a different tractor unit or removing the tank.
- Additional Costs. In the event of an ADR violation, the carrier will have to pay not only fines but also the costs of rectifying the violation. For road trains with large fuel tanks, this may involve significant effort to redistribute the load or drain some of the fuel, leading to additional losses, as well as the dismantling and chemical cleaning of the empty tank.
Fines and Travel Restrictions
In the case of an ADR violation, the vehicle is stopped until the issue is resolved. For example, when a road train is inspected, and the total fuel volume exceeds the 1500-liter limit, further transportation is immediately prohibited. The carrier is asked to resolve the violation, which may involve draining part of the fuel or modifying the vehicle. A deposit is also imposed, which the company must pay before the vehicle can continue its journey.
This is especially relevant for refrigerated road trains, as they are often equipped with additional tanks for the cooling system. Drivers and companies must constantly monitor the total fuel volume to avoid problems on the road.
Conclusion
Adhering to the 1500-liter fuel limit for vehicles transporting fuel is not just a formality. It is an important safety measure aimed at ensuring road safety and minimizing risks for all road users. Violating this rule results not only in financial penalties but also in serious logistical issues, including delivery delays and potential accidents.
Companies working with refrigerated road trains should pay particular attention to this, as their equipment requires additional fuel for cooling systems. Monitoring the amount of fuel being transported helps avoid issues on the road and ensures safety for both drivers and the public.
