Driver Duties, Documents and Legal Liability
Documents to carry
The driver of a Category C vehicle must be able to present: a valid driving licence of the correct category, the vehicle registration certificate, proof of compulsory third-party liability insurance, and - for commercial carriage - the transport and waybill documents required for the operation. A driver must also carry a medical certificate where the national rules require it.
Duties before and during the trip
- Be fit to drive: no alcohol, drugs or impairing medication, and adequate rest.
- Check the vehicle's condition and load security before departure.
- Comply with working-time and rest rules for professional drivers.
- Obey a lawful request from police to stop; present documents on request.
- Report an accident to the police and remain at the scene unless the law allows otherwise.
- Do not leave the scene of an accident in which you were involved.
Liability
The system is layered: administrative liability for traffic offences (fines, penalty points, temporary loss of the right to drive), civil liability for damage caused (covered by compulsory insurance up to statutory limits, with the driver or owner liable beyond them), and criminal liability for serious offences such as drink-driving causing death or leaving the scene of an accident with casualties. A driver who causes harm while uninsured bears the cost personally.
Traps
Questions blur the line between administrative and criminal liability, or suggest that insurance removes personal responsibility. Insurance covers third-party damage within limits; it does not excuse an offence.
Rule of thumb
If you cannot produce a document on the spot, know whether the law allows later presentation - but assume the answer is no unless you are certain.