General Requirements and Legal Framework: ADR, National Rules, Driver Obligations and Liability
The legal architecture
ADR is a treaty that harmonises dangerous goods transport across contracting parties. It is built from the Agreement text, the two Annexes (A on classification, packaging and documentation; B on vehicle equipment, crew and operation), and the annexed regulations set out in Parts 1 to 9. Candidates should understand the order of authority: ADR sets the baseline, but each country applies national rules for enforcement, training approval, tunnel restrictions and penalties. In Bulgaria this means ADR requirements are transposed into national law, and the driver is bound by both the ADR text and the national implementing provisions.
Roles and obligations
ADR distinguishes the consignor, packer, filler, loader, carrier and driver, and each has defined duties. The driver's core obligations are: carry the required documents, ensure the vehicle is properly equipped and placarded, check the load is secure and correctly marked, observe driving and parking rules, and act correctly in an emergency. A frequent exam trap is assuming the driver is responsible for everything; the consignor is responsible for classification and documentation, and the loader for correct loading. Another trap is confusing "carrier" with "driver" when a question asks who must supply the instructions in writing.
Compliance and liability
Liability can be administrative (fines, prohibition of transport), civil (damages) or criminal (serious negligence). Supervision, training certificates and vehicle approval are the evidence of compliance. The ADR certificate of driver training must be carried and produced on request, and it is valid for five years.
Worked rule of thumb
When a question asks "who is responsible?", identify the role named in the question first, then apply the ADR duty attached to that role. If no role is named, the driver is responsible only for the tasks ADR assigns to the driver.