The Ultimate Guide to Transport Licenses: What Every Carrier Needs to Know

What is a Transport License?

A transport license is an official document that allows an individual or company to operate as a carrier in road transport. Whether transporting goods or people, this license is your ticket to legally conducting business in the transport industry.

Who Can Obtain a Transport License?

The Road Transport Act of August 15, 2013, regulates the requirement for a transport license based on the principles set out in Regulation (EC) No 1072/2009 of the European Parliament and Council. You may be eligible for a transport license if you are:

• A business owner,
• A managing partner in a general or limited partnership,
• A member of the board of directors of a company.

However, there's a catch. You must not have been legally convicted of:

• Tax offences,
• Intentional offences related to road traffic, property, economic transactions, document reliability, environment, or labour and wage conditions,
• Offenses connected to the profession,
• Crimes resulting in a ban on economic activity in road transport.

Key Requirements for Obtaining a Transport License

- Certificate of Professional Competence: At least one person managing transport operations in the company must possess this certificate.‍

- Financial Standing: Your company must demonstrate financial resources of at least €50,000 or equivalent. This can be proven through:

• Financial statements,
• Bank account statements,
• Proof of ownership of stocks, shares, or real estate,
• A bank guarantee.

How and Where to Obtain a Transport License

You must visit your local county office to acquire a transport license number. The process can be completed:

• Electronically,
• By mail,
• In person at the office.

The General Inspectorate of Road Transport (GITD) is the issuing authority for community licenses that allow legal operation abroad.

Duration and Waiting Time

• A transport license is issued for 2 to 50 years.
• A community license (allowing legal operation abroad) is issued by the GITD and lasts 2 to 10 years.
• The waiting time for license issuance is typically up to 20 business days.

Can You Lend Your Transport License?

The short answer is no. The Road Transport Act prohibits lending transport licenses. Attempting to do so can result in losing your license and potentially facing a ban from the profession.

The Difference Between Lending a Transport License and a Certificate of Professional Competence

While lending a transport license is strictly forbidden, the situation with the Certificate of Professional Competence is more complex. At least one person managing transport in the company must possess this certificate. However, verifying the nature of cooperation between a road carrier and the employee responsible for road transport can be challenging for authorities.

When Can a Transport License be Revoked?

A transport license can be revoked if the carrier:

• Receives a legally binding verdict prohibiting activities in the area requiring such a license,
• Has not conducted activities requiring a transport license in the last six months,
• Receives a legally binding verdict prohibiting road transport-related activities.

Conclusion

Obtaining a transport license and a Certificate of Professional Competence requires significant effort, but it's a crucial investment in your business. The primary benefit is straightforward but essential: acquiring these documents ensures that your business fully complies with the law.

Remember, cutting corners or attempting to bypass these requirements can lead to severe consequences, including losing your right to operate in the transport industry. Always prioritise legal compliance to build a sustainable and reputable transport business.