National Gendarmerie reminds truck drivers of overloading fines

The National Gendarmerie has launched a reminder for truck owners and drivers in Algeria about overloading and the fines that apply, DNAlgerie reported.

The reminder is part of a road safety awareness campaign, and it warns of the risks of loads above the weight allowed.

The Gendarmerie's units have been fitted with mobile weighing stations, which measure a vehicle's weight directly and check its load.

The fine depends on how far a load goes over the weight allowed. Where the overload is up to 10%, the fine is 7,000 dinars.

For an overload of more than 10% and up to 20%, the fine is 8,000 dinars. For more than 20% and up to 30%, it is 9,000 dinars.

Above 30%, the offence becomes a délit, a more serious offence under the law. The fine is between 10,000 and 70,000 dinars.

The Gendarmerie warns that an overloaded truck is harder to control, especially when braking or changing direction. It says overloading can make a vehicle unstable and raise the risk of accidents.

The Gendarmerie's services have reported checks that found overloads of more than 80% above the authorised load.

The full list of offences and fines is set out on the Gendarmerie's Facebook page, Tariki.

The Gendarmerie's message to transport operators is that keeping within the allowed weight protects drivers, passengers and other road users.