Overloaded lorries face fines up to 700,000 dinars

Lorry drivers in Algeria who carry too much weight face fines of up to 700,000 dinars (DZD) under a new Highway Code.

Algérie 360 reported that the law, number 26-09, was dated 12 May and published in issue 36 of the Official Journal on 17 May. The report does not say from which date the penalties apply.

The rules cover overloading of the total authorised laden weight (PTAC), the total authorised road train weight (PTRA) and the load allowed on each axle. Overloading of up to 30% is a second-class minor offence, with a fixed fine that rises with the size of the excess.

The fixed fine is 7,000 dinars (DZD) for overloading of up to 10%. It is 8,000 dinars (DZD) for more than 10% and up to 20%, and 9,000 dinars (DZD) for more than 20% and up to 30%.

If a vehicle is overloaded in total weight and on one axle, the officer applies the harsher penalty. If several axles are overloaded, the penalty depends on the most heavily loaded axle.

Above 30%, article 149 sets a fine of 100,000 to 700,000 dinars (DZD). A repeat offence can bring six months to two years in prison, and the fine is doubled. Prison is not automatic for overloading, as it depends on repeat offences and on the circumstances of an accident.

Article 125 lists overloading among the aggravating circumstances of involuntary manslaughter, meaning a death caused without intent. Where the vehicle is a heavy goods vehicle, public transport, school transport, taxi, goods transport or dangerous goods transport, the driver faces three to seven years in prison. The fine in these cases is 700,000 to 1m dinars (DZD).

Article 127 sets higher penalties when such a driver is also under the influence of alcohol or drugs and the aggravating conditions of that article are met. The penalty is 10 to 15 years in prison and a fine of 1m to 1.5m dinars (DZD).