The National Gendarmerie has begun enforcing stricter controls on overloaded trucks throughout Algeria to reduce traffic accidents and road damage. Authorities implemented these measures to address safety concerns on major transit routes. Under the new regulatory framework, penalties for overloading include prison sentences ranging from 5 to 10 years for offenders. Financial sanctions for these violations also increased, with fines now ranging from 500,000 to 1,000,000 Algerian Dinars. Officials aim to mitigate the physical impact of heavy vehicles on infrastructure while improving overall road safety. These enforcement actions apply to all commercial transport operators currently utilizing the national road network.
Legal Framework and Enforcement
Enforcement of these requirements relies on Article 127 of Traffic Law No. 26-09, which was issued on 12 May 2026. This legislation establishes the legal basis for the current oversight of commercial transport vehicles across the national road network.
The National Gendarmerie is actively employing electronic weighing bags to conduct mobile inspections of heavy-duty trucks. These portable devices allow officers to verify vehicle weight compliance directly at the roadside. Alongside these mobile units, the National Gendarmerie utilizes fixed load measurement stations positioned at strategic transit points to detect violations. These combined tools enable authorities to identify overloaded vehicles that exceed the limits set by the ministry. The deployment of this equipment aims to ensure that transport operators adhere to the updated regulatory standards during their routine operations on major transit routes.
Impact on Road Infrastructure
A technical study by the Ministry of Public Works identified overloaded trucks as a primary cause of road surface deterioration. This investigation specifically noted that the damage is most severe on the East-West Highway. Engineers from the ministry concluded that the excessive weight of heavy-duty vehicles accelerates the degradation of pavement structures, leading to increased maintenance requirements on major national transit routes.
The National Gendarmerie launched an awareness campaign for truck drivers titled 'Respect the legal weight, protect yourself and others'. This initiative seeks to inform transport operators about the structural risks posed by heavy vehicles and the importance of adhering to established load limits. Officers are distributing materials at transit points to explain how weight compliance prevents rapid road wear and reduces the frequency of traffic accidents. The campaign operates alongside the ongoing mobile and fixed inspection efforts currently conducted by the National Gendarmerie across Algeria.
