The DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) is increasing checks on trucks and vans: what they're checking and how to prepare

Throughout the year, the DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) carries out intensive surveillance campaigns focused on specific types of vehicles. In this case, the focus is on:

• Goods transport trucks
• Vans for professional use
• National and international transport vehicles

These checks are carried out on both conventional roads and high-capacity roads, and often involve the collaboration of other agencies, such as transport inspection or European authorities in joint campaigns.

The main objective is not to raise revenue, but to detect violations that could jeopardize road safety, both for the driver and other road users.

One of the most common questions is whether these checks are concentrated on specific dates or if they are continuous.

The reality is that:

• The DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) plans several specific campaigns throughout the year.
• Some coincide with coordinated European operations.
• Others are reinforced during periods of higher traffic or logistical activity.

Although they are not always announced in advance, it is known that these are not one-off or exceptional checks, but rather part of an ongoing strategy.

Therefore, the best way to deal with them is not to "prepare for a specific date," but to keep your vehicle and documentation always in order.

During these inspections, officers focus on several key aspects. Below, we review the most important ones.

⏱️ Driving and Rest Times

One of the most closely monitored points is compliance with driving and rest times, as driver fatigue remains one of the main causes of serious accidents in heavy goods transport.

The following are checked:

• Correct use of the tachograph
• Daily and weekly rest periods
• Possible manipulations or irregularities
• Excessive driving hours

Any anomaly can lead to significant penalties, both for the driver and the company.

📟 Tachograph: Digital and Analog

The tachograph is a key tool in these checks. The officers check:

• Proper functioning of the device
• Driver's card
• Data downloads
• Possible errors or tampering

A tachograph in poor condition or with incorrect data not only results in a fine, but can also lead to the vehicle being impounded.

🚚 General condition of the vehicle

Another fundamental aspect is the state of conservation and maintenance of the truck or van. Here, special attention is paid to elements that directly influence safety:

• Tires (wear, pressure, condition)
• Brakes
• Lighting and signaling
• Steering and suspension
• Valid vehicle inspection certificate

Poor maintenance not only increases the risk of accidents, but can also lead to costly breakdowns and unexpected downtime.

📦 Load control and proper securing

Vehicle load is another aspect that receives significant attention in the DGT's specific checks, and this is no coincidence. A poorly distributed or improperly secured load can cause:

• Loss of vehicle stability
• Longer braking distance
• Rollovers on curves or roundabouts
• Goods falling onto the roadway

During inspections, officers check:

• That the load does not exceed the maximum authorized mass (MAM)
• That it is correctly distributed
• That appropriate securing systems are used (straps, bars, nets, etc.)
• That there is no shifting of the goods

In the case of vans, this point is especially critical, as many are used for professional transport without adequate separation between the cargo area and the cab.

Improper load securing can result in hefty fines and even immediate vehicle immobilization.

📄 Mandatory documentation: all in Another key aspect of these checks is the review of documentation, both for the vehicle and the driver. The DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) may request: Driving license, vehicle registration certificate, valid vehicle inspection certificate (ITV), mandatory insurance, transport documentation (waybill, delivery notes, etc.), tachograph-related certificates. In the case of professional transport, it is also checked that the activity is being carried out in accordance with current regulations, especially on national and international routes. Having incomplete or expired documentation not only results in a fine, but can also cause significant delays on the route.

Although these campaigns do not involve new laws, they can result in significant penalties when violations are detected.

Some of the most frequent fines are related to:

• Exceeding driving time limits
• Lack of mandatory rest periods
• Tampering with or misuse of the tachograph
• Tires in poor condition
• Expired vehicle inspection certificate
• Overloading the vehicle
• Improperly secured cargo

In the most serious cases, the penalty may include the immobilization of the vehicle, which directly affects daily operations and delivery deadlines.

A common question is whether these controls only affect large fleets. The answer is clear: they affect everyone.

• Self-employed individuals with their own trucks
• Small transport companies
• Large fleets
• Professionals who use vans for deliveries, maintenance, or services

Work-related vans, in particular, are being subject to increased scrutiny, as in many cases they are not perceived as transport vehicles, but they are subject to the same safety regulations.

With these increased controls, vehicle maintenance becomes even more important. It's not just about avoiding fines, but also about:

• Reducing unexpected breakdowns
• Improving road safety
• Extending the vehicle's lifespan
• Optimizing fuel consumption

Regularly checking elements such as brakes, suspension, tires, and lights is key to driving with peace of mind and complying with regulations without surprises.

Beyond the concern these campaigns may generate, the truth is that passing a DGT (Spanish Directorate General of Traffic) inspection doesn't have to be a problem if you work in an organized and professional manner.

Some key tips:

• Check your vehicle regularly, not just before setting off on a route
• Check the condition of your tires frequently
• Always carry up-to-date and easily accessible documentation
• Use the tachograph correctly and respect rest periods
• Secure your load with approved systems

Prevention is the best way to avoid fines and delays.